Melton came across its toughest opponent so far in Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1, section 1 on Saturday – and fell short.
Playing a Fitzroy-Victoria team with an Australian representative and state players, Melton was left to rue its slow start.
Once behind, Melton didn’t recover, losing 79 (14)-68 (4). Melton secretary John Adams said Fitzroy Victoria showed the level they needed to play to match it against top sides.
“We got close in the end, but we had a bad start overall,” he said. “We were 17 down at the break and ended up losing by 11 shots. We fought it out right to the end – they are a good young team and play some good bowls.
“Their youngest player was 43; the majority of our players are in their 60s and 70s. They are by far the best team we’ve played this season.”
Conrad Dawson and Ray Morrissey skipped the winning rinks, which meant they didn’t come away empty-handed.
“If you are going to lose, if you can get at least four points – it means it’s not a total loss.
Melton has slipped outside the top four, but it remains in touch with the top sides.
Deer Park slipped to third after losing its third straight match, while sixth-placed Sunbury missed an opportunity to go above Melton, losing to a struggling Werribee.
Adams said they need to win the two games before the Christmas break, and signalled changes to the side to help fire up a couple of the rinks.
“We play Altona Sports away, and even though they’re not going well, it won’t be easy.We then play Moonee Valley, who we defeated at home. Playing away at their green is different. If we can win these two games, it puts us in the top four.
“If we lose, it will put us behind the eight-ball heading into the second half of the season.”
Melton’s second side stays top of the ladder.
In the Central Highlands Bowls Division division 1, the top two sides had big wins and both remain undefeated.
Gisborne defeated Kyneton Golf, 110 (14)-78 (4), while Lancefield won 126 (16)-65 (2) against Trentham. Romsey won against Woodend, while Kyneton snuck home by one shot against Bacchus Marsh.
In division 2, Diggers Rest, Gisborne Red, Kyneton Golf and Kyneton had wins
