Melton’s hopes of a finals berth in Bowls Victoria’s Pennant division 1, section 1, suffered a setback on Saturday.
Against Sunbury, a side looking to push into the top four, Melton was hoping that playing at home would give it an advantage.
It wasn’t the case. Sunbury hardly let Melton into the game, winning 86 (16)-61 (2).
Ray Gnidic led the only winning rink for Melton.
The result meant Sunbury and Melton switched positions, with Sunbury into the top four. Melton is now nine points outside that top echelon.
Melton secretary John Adams said they quickly needed to turn things around if they were going to be in the mix come finals.
Melton has won just one of its last four matches.
“We might have to jag things around,” Adams said.
“Any side is hard to beat and you have to be on the boil. We’re not sure whether we’re not playing well or they’re playing better.
“It doesn’t get any easier. We play Essendon at Essendon and then Deer Park, but we need to start winning if we want to make finals. Four wins from the last seven games should get us in; five wins definitely will.”
Melton’s second side has slipped from top to third after two straight losses.
Elsewhere, the Avenue lost to Ballarat 109 (18)-63 (0) in the Ballarat District Bowls Division 1. In Central Highlands bowls’ division 1, Bacchus Marsh won 107 (6)-87 (2) against Trentham.
