By Peter Brennan
As summer enters it’s peak the finals draw closer, options become narrower, and Yarra Junction Bowling Club sharpens it’s focus.
The midweek competition resumed last Tuesday after the Christmas break, and Yarra Junction hosted Eastwood Golf on another hot hot day.
Home ground advantage is significant and it is hard to imagine two greens more different than Eastwood’s slow grass green and Junction’s slick fast synthetic.
But nothing can be taken for granted, as both clubs seek to understand the nuances of the other’s home turf.
It was a good match and Eastwood took it up to Junction with close scores throughout. In the end Junction won two rinks and the third was an exciting draw, with Yarra Junction consolidating third position on the ladder. With hopes of a top two finish and a home final, they have everything to play for.
It is the weekend competition where Junction have their backs against the wall after a good start to the season followed by a string of bad losses.
In a quirk of fixturing deja-vu Eastwood had to return on Saturday, having got their eye in the previous Tuesday.
The conditions were good, hot but not too hot, very little breeze and no excuses available.
Junction was ready, with a home ground loss not to be considered. They went out to an early lead and extended it throughout the match, winning all four rinks by a considerable margin.
The relief at being on the winners side of the ledger was palpable, and although the path to the finals is torturous and depends on other results, still it is possible.
There was also a bankers match against Warburton, where those not selected play each other. The term is an arcane bowling word, unconnected to financial institutions, and the club thanks those Warburton players who took part. The match was won by Yarra Junction.
Barefoot Bowls continues with great success, with a large turnout filling the green.
Come down at 6.30 on Friday, for a very pleasant evening’s entertainment. Equipment and instruction is available, with music, a sausage sizzle, and a reasonably priced bar.
Make the most of summer before winter returns. Information on the club’s website and Facebook page, or just turn up.
