BMS down Hawks for top for place

BALLARAT Memorial Sports Bowling Club, better known as BMS, turned the halfway mark on its Ballarat-Highlands Bowls Region Saturday Pennant seasons with all five teams in contention to play finals.

The club’s Division 2 team was at home and had a strong win over City Oval, which was enough to earn a spot on the good side of the ladder.

“This was a great win across the board at a time when a win was needed to consolidate our team’s position to go forward for the remainder of the season and the opportunity to play finals,” said Kevin McLean, BMS president and Division 2 skipper.

“The Club is doing it tough at present whilst building development works are taking place alongside the greens but we are looking forward to next season with the new social facility.

“The building redevelopment incorporating the full community complex will be a tremendous asset for the whole Alfredton community to enjoy.”

City Oval’s Division 2 manager Cec Deans said was gracious in defeat.

“Our games with BMS are always keenly contested and whilst the results on the day didn’t fall our way with only Mick Brown’s rink getting up, nevertheless we were pleased to get back to playing bowls after the Christmas break with the weather being perfect for bowls and we found the green played well and the company as always very hospitable,” he said.

It’s not all clear air for BMS on the Division 2 ladder though, with Invermay and Creswick in hot pursuit just two points out of the four.

Likewise, the BMS Premier side had a significant away victory at Buninyong and replaced the their hosts in the top four on percentage with both teams sitting on 94 points.

The Premier Division ladder is becoming a crowded house, with only three points separating third placed Linton on 96 points and sixth placed Webbcona.

BMS’ division 3, 5 and 6 sides, whilst not presently in a finals berth, are still in contention for the post-season if the teams can come with a strong run home in the last part of summer.

City Oval are faring well so far this season with the club’s Division 1 squad heading the ladder on 149 points, ahead of Smeaton on 134.

Meanwhile the Hawks Division 4 and 7 sides are both holding second place on the respective tables and the Division 5 team is just seven points out behind the Bungaree.

The City Oval is enjoying its centenary of bowls and the present focus is on the upcoming club’s Mixed Fours John Lewis Memorial tournament.

It’s set for Sunday, 6 February and starting at 10am with entries to Liz Kierce on 0439 314 667.

The Club is currently in talks with Victoria Bowling Club for a celebratory centenary match to be played later in the year outside the current Pennant season.

Also in upcoming tournament news, BMS is preparing for its annual Ladies Triples event on Sunday, 20 February, starting at 10.30am with entries to be made through Lynette Bryce on 0438 343 770.

 

– BY ANTHONY McCABE