Smeaton sweeten Div 5 finals chances

IT’S a tight fight in the Ballarat-Highlands Bowls Region Saturday Pennant Division five.

The maths don’t work and one team is going to be left disappointed as five teams fight for four places in the post-season, and only two more pennant matches in the home and away rounds to be played.

Eleven points separate ladder leaders BMS from fifth placed Ballarat North.

BMS have rocketed to the top position after six straight wins, including a big victory the previous week against Ballarat North, gaining the full 18 points in that match.

By comparison North’s two straight losses have seen the club slip from top of the table to fighting for survival with the upcoming final two matches critical, particularly next week’s away match at City Oval.

North’s woes continued as Smeaton came calling and left with three rinks up last Saturday and that meant they jumped both their hosts and Bungaree into third position on the ladder.

Smeaton’s run home, and a bid to play finals, could be challenging as they come up against both ladder leaders BMS and City Oval in the final two rounds.

“It was a big surprise win as we thought Ballarat North playing at home would be hard to beat,” said Smeaton’s Jenny Tranter.

“It was a nice friendly game with all the bowlers grateful to be back on the greens playing bowls and enjoying the fellowship we share in the game. I have my fingers crossed we will get through to play finals this year.”

Smeaton’s Russell Leishman said the club is having a good season with their Division 1 side in second position and both their midweek teams are in the mix for finals.

He also said the Division 5 competition was, “Very interesting with a number of clubs in a tight contest for the top four spots on the ladder.”

Although Smeaton’s Division 3 side has struggled it has had a couple of wins in the past few weeks against higher placed teams which has lifted the spirits in the side.

Smeaton’s all-day Steak & Kidney tournament is set for Wednesday, 9 March starting at 10am.

 

– BY ANTHONY McCABE