Rains challenge Saturday’s bowls

AS Saturday’s games of bowls got underway, Ballarat’s weather fortunes challenged all rinks with many eventually being cancelled due to inclement weather after only several ends being played.

Nevertheless, the competition’s divisions 2 and 6 managed to complete two of their games while one game was completed in divisions 1 and 7, with the remainder of the divisions being entirely washed out.

“We were having a good close game at Ballarat East until the rain came after the first several ends were completed by most of the rinks, but unfortunately the downpour left the surfaces unplayable which unfortunately brought an early closure to the game,” said Sebastopol’s top division skipper Scott Roberts.

Country venues at Linton, Waubra and Clunes managed to get their games completed, which resulted in the visiting teams from Webbcona, Buninyong and City Oval all taking advantage by winning their completed games.

The division 6 and 7 games played under the Sebastopol dome were successfully completed, with the home side having a comfortable win over Smeaton.

Meanwhile, Ballarat North reversed the home team’s fortunes by taking out a win in the Division 7 match.

Webbcona’s top side benefited with a decisive 29-shot away win at Linton, earning the side 17 points and placing them just outside the four and in strong contention to challenge either BMS or Victoria in the coming matches for a position in the four.

The rinks of Ryan Bedggood, Matthew Collins and Gary Johnson all performed strongly in helping to set up the side’s win, while Linton’s Brendan Williams managed to draw his game against Tony Lange.

Webbcona can expect to be challenged by Learmonth when they travel away on Saturday as the home side has started the season in good form, but another away win could well set up their season’s prospects.

Ballarat North’s Division 2 side playing at home managed to get through the afternoon’s showers and complete their game against the strong visiting side from Ballan.

“We started with a few ends played before we left the greens for a short break due to the rain then resumed playing until afternoon tea,” said North’s Michael Clark.

“During the recess there was a heavy downpour so we took an extended break, but after a while the rains eased and we were able to get back on the greens to complete the match.”

The game was set up with Glenn Mattei’s rink having a strong 15-shot win supported by William Hodgetts and Andrew Dalgleish.

Ballan’s rink of Marcus Darley overcame their opponents for the afternoon.

The Division 2 ladder positions are being hotly contested, with Ballarat North currently second with equal wins and points as ladder leaders Ballan and only separated by percentage.

North’s game at Buninyong this Saturday is set to challenge the team as the home side also shares similar form, winning three of its matches so far.

Sebastopol’s Division 6 win over Smeaton has that team still just outside the four.

Their match on Saturday at City Oval could see the team challenge either Learmonth or Daylesford for a position in the four.

Smeaton’s home game this Saturday against Mount Xavier should see the side retain top position and could be the opportunity to further strengthen their fortunes for the remainder of the season.

Also this Saturday, Ballarat North’s Division 7 side will need to retain their winning form from last Saturday’s match against Sebastopol when they host BMS to enable that team to keep in check with ladder leaders Midlands for the remainder of the season.

The team has four members of the Cox family – Gail, Levi, Ken and Colin – all contributing to the team’s overall success.