Bacchus Marsh handled the tricky weather conditions to a tee on Saturday to record a convincing win against Trentham in Central Highlands Bowls division 1.
In rain and wind that made it difficult for everyone involved, Craig Norris, Leonard Kean and Justin Webster won their rinks for Bacchus Marsh in a 112 (16)-82 (2) victory.
The rink of Phil Minniti lost 24-22 after leading by 10 shots.
Bacchus Marsh’s Tyler Maher said the weather couldn’t make up its mind on Saturday.
“Ten minutes it was sun and then the next 10 minutes it was raining,” he said. “We looked pretty comfortable all day and there wasn’t much heat in the game.”
The win was an important one for Bacchus Marsh as it helps close the gap on top two teams Lancefield and Gisborne.
The match scheduled for those two sides was washed out.
Both teams were awarded nine points. Lancefield remains on top of the ladder, four points clear of Gisborne, with Bacchus Marsh two points back.
Maher said the win was extremely helpful in Bacchus Marsh’s bid to finish in the top four.
“We definitely want to play finals and to win the premiership you would prefer to finish in the top two,” he said.
“If you make finals, you never know what will happen.”
Maher said the club had retained the basis of the senior side from last season, but was down on numbers across the board.
The third division side had to forfeit in round 2, but Maher said it would have fielded a full team in round 3 had the fixture not been washed out.
“We had 15 to 16 players unavailable,” he said of round 2.
“We’ve got about 55 to 60 players this season, while last year had closer to 80.
“The Avenue has been helping us out with extra players.”
Reigning premier Kyneton Golf finally got its first win for the season, regaining the form that earned it the past two flags.
Romsey was the unlucky side to face Golf, with the latter winning all four rinks in a massive 125 (18)-78 (0) win. Adrian Plowman’s rink won 42-19.
Kyneton’s win against Woodend was nearly as emphatic. On the back of Craig Vincent’s rink, which won 44-6, Kyneton won 115 (16)-69 (2).
While three of the four division 1 matches went ahead, all matches in divisions 2 and division 3 were washed out.
Meanwhile, Lancefield’s Bev Holmes and Michael Linehan have become the competition’s over-60 singles champions.
