By Peter Brennan
The Yarra Junction Bowling Club midweek team resumed their season after the Christmas break and travelled to Monbulk, to play on a fast synthetic green, not unlike their own in a last-ditch attempt to keep their season alive. For most of the day, it was a close game that could have gone either way, a see-sawing affair where the initiative kept changing and the lead kept swinging back and forth. At the break, Junction held a one-point overall lead. It was not until the last few ends that Monbulk managed to open up a break, and ultimately won two of the three rinks, consigning Junction to another defeat. The season has been tough for the midweek team, despite the closeness of many results. With four games remaining next week looms as a crucial away match against Heathmont on the grass, a bottom-of-the-table clash that may have a huge bearing on the looming question of relegation. A win will lift them off the bottom, a loss will make it very difficult. The only way to go is up.
The weekend team hosted Eastwood Golf on a warm occasionally overcast day with a slight breeze. On the nearby oval, the cricketers were playing, occasionally erupting into noise when something happened, in the trees the kookaburras were enjoying themselves, passing ribald comments back and forth. The green at Eastwood and the green at Junction are diametric opposites, one slick and fast, the other heavy and slow. But for Eastwood, their green is the norm, and Junction is a fearsome green with no friction, where bowls do not stop but slide past and disappear into the distance, creating much frustration. And so it proved to be. Despite Eastwood putting up a good fight Junction opened up an immediate lead. Although Eastwood challenged at various stages the lead grew, and at days end Junction held a commanding lead on all four rinks, winning by a considerable margin and all but cementing second spot on the ladder. Next week however will be a different kettle of fish, with a trip to Mitcham to play the undefeated ladder leaders in what is possibly a finals preview. Time will tell.
Barefoot Bowls continues to exceed expectations, with a large turnout of people and a festive atmosphere. The club is looking beautiful thanks to the work of a dedicated few, and it is well worth a visit. Equipment and free coaching is available to anyone wishing to try this ancient and popular sport. Yarra Junction Bowling Club welcomes all visitors.
