CARDINIA WATERS BOWLS
The final practice before Pennant season commences was held on Saturday when Cardinia Waters hosted a trial game against Lang Lang.
Four rinks from each club battled out a very interesting game with Cardinia Waters eventually winning two rinks, drawing one, and losing one.
However, not to be denied, Lang Lang won the afternoon on shots.
Short several regular players, Cardinia Waters used all their reserves and everyone had a good workout, helped by fine if cool weather.
Brian Steven’s rink, which included his wife Marion, John Carr and Jenny Cole, were no match for the Lang Lang rink skipped by the mercurial bowler John Williams.
In a game of two halves Lang Lang easily held sway in the first, with the home side recovering in the second, but the recovery wasn’t enough with the visitors winning 27/18.
A similar pattern emerged in the game between Bill Hite and Nev Kitchin.
The Lang Lang four leapt to an 11-shot lead after 14 ends, but a spirited comeback saw the home players win enough in the next seven ends to grab victory.
Two ends of four shots up, and two ends of two up, helped Bill Hite’s rink to a 22/21 win.
Bill played with Tom Gogan, Ian Smith and Terry Nye.
Mick Knight skipped the other winning rink which included Micki Horton, Ian Kennedy and Kay Hale. They hung on to a one shot victory after being well in command by 11 shots after 18 ends.
A spirited revival by Lang Lang saw them just fail to win in the shadows of the post.
The final score seeing Cardinia Waters prevail, 24-23.
Steve Hale made a welcome return to the Cardinia Waters side, after missing most of last season.
His rink was well beaten early, 10 shots behind at the afternoon tea break.
However refreshments made the difference, and they came from behind to grab a 26-all draw.
Steve played with Marie Stephenson, Robert Mitchell and Graeme Taylor.
All players would have benefitted from this practice game, and next Saturday sees Cardinia Waters side one play their season opening game away at Hampton Park.
Cardinia Waters will be looking for a win, but not much form is known as Hampton Park 2 has been promoted and Cardinia Waters 1 relegated from last season.
Midweek pennant also commences this week and Cardinia Waters will be fielding two sides.
Side one in division three travels to Edithvale, never an easy green to play on, and the village side will need to be on their best to win.
Side two are at home to Dandenong RSL Rec.
Both these teams finished in the top four last season, and a close encounter is expected.
-John Moore-
