By Peter Brennan
It was with some relief that the Yarra Junction Bowling Club midweek team returned to the winners list. After a couple of away games that did not go so well, it was good to get back to the familiar home deck. The visitors drove up from Mooroolbark, acutely conscious of the difficulties of the fast slick green at Junction, and their fears were realised as the game went according to script. Junction went to the lead early and built on it, taking a comfortable lead into the halftime break. They went on to win all three rinks and won overall by a substantial margin. Although still last on the ladder they remain in touch, and a run of wins now could work wonders.
The weekend team travelled to Yarra Glen, on a day that promised nothing but bad weather. The rain started overnight and continued through the morning, easing somewhat but rarely stopping. The match started in bleak drizzling conditions that could not be described as much fun. The score remained close until the inevitable heavier rain forced an early break. The break was extended but the weather got no better. The match was eventually abandoned, washed out for the second week in a row. The ladder remains the same, with Junction holding second place.
The most intriguing bowling this week was the semi-finals for the men’s club championship. It was hot and seriously windy, creating challenging conditions for four very fine bowlers, any one of whom makes a worthy champion. The unlucky losers were Marty Rankin and Howard Liston, going down to Marc Barton-Johnson and Jason Rush, who are the last two standing and will play off for the championship. Congratulations to all four semi-finalists. It was highly entertaining bowling, engrossing for the audience.
The Christmas break for Pennant is almost upon us, and Barefoot Bowls is only a few weeks away. What better way to recover from the silly season than an evening on the green, with a bar, a sausage sizzle, and good company. Yarra Junction Bowling Club is a friendly club, and visitors are always welcome.
