By Peter Brennan
This summer has been a challenging time for sporting clubs, as it has for all of us. At no stage have we known what is around the next corner, but with diligence and community spirit we are making our way through these difficult times. And now, at Yarra Junction Bowling Club, as summer begins to draw to a close, thoughts of finals are in the air.
Mixed thoughts, to be accurate; the Midweek Pennant competition is on track, with a strong win against Monbulk this week, and Yarra Junction is currently poised for a strong finals campaign. The new six-a-side weekend competition has also opened with a win. This is still a small competition, but it is hoped that it will expand, as more clubs are attracted to the shorter format.
The Saturday Pennant competition is on more of a knife-edge. An away win against Bayswater the weekend before last saw Yarra Junction consolidate fifth position, with fourth spot and a finals berth within reach. With four games left a lot was riding on the weekend’s trip to Mooroolbark, but Yarra Junction Bowling Club fell just short, narrowly losing a match that ultimately came down to the last end of the day.
There are now three games left against the three top teams, but as they say in sporting parlance Yarra Junction is still a mathematical possibility to make the finals. With two home matches coming next, anything is possible.
Meanwhile, the club is enjoying a growth in membership, as more people discover the friendly and convivial atmosphere that exists there. Barefoot Bowls on Friday evenings continue to be popular, with the bar open, a sausage sizzle, equipment available, and friendly bowlers happy to provide an introduction to this ancient and popular sport. Why not come along, visit Yarra Junction Bowling Club, and see for yourself.
