By Tara Murray
Bacchus Marsh has had to reassess its goals in the Bowls Victoria pennant division 2, section 1 competition.
In its first season in the metro competition, having come across from the Central Highlands Bowls Division in the off season, Bacchus Marsh sits second at the midway part of the season.
Bacchus Marsh president and player Phil Minniti said he was extremely happy with the first half of the season, during which they have lost just one game.
Bacchus Marsh is comfortably in the top four, 45 points clear of fifth spot, with the side well on the way to a finals berth.
“We’ve played everyone once and we’re really happy with it,” Minniti said.
“It was a whole unknown going into metro and we didn’t know where we fit in.”
Minniti said they had to rethink their aims for the season.
“You never go in thinking that far ahead,” he said.
“You’re more worried about not finishing bottom two and being relegated.
“At the halfway mark, we’ve got our eyes on the top four and then top two for a home final.”
The team has had success in recent years, winning the CHBD division 1 title last season, with many of those players in the side this year.
On Saturday, Bacchus Marsh had a good win against third-placed Deer Park.
It was a close game all day, with Bacchus Marsh winning 90 (16)-83 (2).
Minniti said Deer Park was always one of the best sides in the competition, and you’re never going to have a big win against them.
“To get a win by that margin was pretty good,” he said.
“They have some good players in every rink. One of our rinks was down 16-0 and then lost by four shots which was a really good effort. Sometimes the close rinks like that help get you over the line.”
Troy Williams’ rink won 25-23, Minniti’s rink won 22-19 and Daniel Willis’ rink won 22-16.
Bacchus Marsh sits 16 points behind leaders Port Melbourne, but now has a 16-point gap on Deer Park.
Bacchus Marsh faces sixth-placed Werribee and seventh-placed Melton in the two rounds before Christmas break.
Melton has started to show some good form in recent weeks, including a win against Maribyrnong Park.
Melton got over the line by one shot, winning 75 (14)-74 (4).
Russell Taylor’s rink was the difference, winning 24-11.
Daniel Harvey was the other winning skip for Melton, winning 19-17.
Melton sits 23 points outside the top four.
This week Melton face Yarraville-Footscray 2 away
