By Peter Brennan
The Pennant season is into it’s second week at Yarra Junction Bowling Club, although the Midweek team had it’s momentum stalled by being allocated an early bye, so play consisted of friendly practice at home.
It seemed the Weekend team was also in danger of not playing, as players woke on Saturday morning to torrential rain. The Bureau of Meteorology said it would ease and so it turned out, and by the time they arrived at Lilydale for the match, it had cleared to an overcast and almost pleasant day. The top green at Lilydale appeared at first glance to be saturated but played surprisingly well. It is high on a hill, with views of the Dandenong TV towers, and dominated by the possibly over-designed new Council chambers. Lilydale is a friendly club, full of nice people, but possibly still rankling from last season when Yarra Junction knocked them out of the finals in an upset. It was a close game for much of the day, but Lilydale drew away at the end to win reasonably comfortably. Players might search for excuses, but basically, they outplayed the team. It wouldn’t have made up for missing the grand final last season, but a little revenge is better than none. Congratulations to Lilydale.
Special mention should be made of two of Yarra Junction’s older players, Jessie Carney and Stan Anderson, who both had significant birthdays last week. Not only are they both in their nineties, but they continue to play to a very high standard. At a time when the demographic of the club is becoming younger, the inspiration of older members cannot be overstated. Good on them both.
Preliminary work is beginning at the club to hopefully restore the old grass green. If this is achieved it will enable Yarra Junction to improve on the surface that currently gives players difficulty. Thus Yarra Junction may continue in the quest for, if not world domination, then at least promotion to a higher division in the local league. Watch this space for developments.
Remember to drop by for a bowl whenever anyone feels like it. It is more fun than you might think. And if you are looking for a pleasant inexpensive hall for functions, parties, or meetings, Yarra Junction Bowling Club has just the thing. Contact the club for details.
