By Peter Brennan
On Melbourne Cup day, Yarra Junction Bowling Club exploded in a riot of colour, as the club held its inaugural Melbourne Cup tournament.
Bowlers came from far and wide to contest for prize money and a beautiful perpetual trophy. There were prizes for best dressed, a cup sweep, raffle, and all that goes into a good day.
Congratulations to the organisers, who did a wonderful job. The trophy was ultimately won by a team from Upwey-Tecoma, with a team from Warburton as the runners-up. It was hot and by day’s end the splendour was a little bedraggled, just as it was at Flemington.
The midweek team hosted Monbulk and did it tough, in the first game played in real heat. Sweltering in the low thirties, it was a reminder of how hard it can be to adjust to heat, when one is not used to it. Several players suffered from the heat, and the game was a slog from the start. Neither team was able to open up a lead, and at day’s end Junction won two of the three rinks but lost overall by two points. Another agonisingly close loss for the midweek team, for whom the season has not started well.
The weekend team faced a challenge, travelling to Eastwood Golf to play on the grass. Traditionally slow and always difficult, Eastwood is in a beautiful setting. High on a hill it overlooks the golf course and seems on a level with the nearby TV towers on Mt Dandenong. The surrounding bushland has many stag trees, and there always seems to be many birds. The cool change had come in and the hot weather of the previous few days had turned grey, cold, and overcast. The problem for a visiting team is always one of judgement of weight and grass, being the angle of bowling needed. Skippèrs can be plagued with a plethora of short bowls and nothing behind, and it does not make them happy. Although it seemed Junction was starting well Eastwood gradually pulled away. On any end, Junction could have the advantage and then Eastwood would steal it away. By halftime Eastwood had a substantial lead, yet it felt like Junction was still in the game. In the second half the sun broke through, the clouds cleared to a blue sky, the birds started singing and flying above the green, and Junction started clawing back the deficit. It took a while to realise it was happening, as all four rinks were locked in their individual battles, but then with only a few ends each to play the aggregate score was level. It was an exciting finish, and that is a word not always used to describe lawn bowls. Junction failed in the end, as each of the teams went down on their final end, and Eastwood won overall by four points. It was a loss that held a promise of better things, and it was a most enjoyable match, even though losing is never easy. Junction remains in the second spot on the ladder, and next week will host top-placed Mitcham in a home ground top of table blockbuster.
The Community Cup continues, with most teams registering at least one win. Little Yarra Egg Farm are the current leader over Cire and U3A. It is a most enjoyable competition.
All visitors are welcome at Yarra Junction Bowling Club and are encouraged to try their hand at this enjoyable sport. Age and presumed ability is no impediment. There are many people who enjoy bowling. You might too. Come on down to our beautiful spot by the river, and have a go.
