Saints strivingfor ultimate prize

HEATHCOTE’S division three team has rolled into the Christmas-New Year break leading the premiership race in Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields bowls weekend pennant.

The Saints are determined to claim premiership glory after being runners-up last season.

A brilliant run of six consecutive victories to start the 2024/25 season was broken when South Bendigo stunned the Saints in the final round before a rest.

A tally of six wins, a loss and a draw because of a washout has earned Heathcote top spot on the ladder.

The Saints are two wins and 32 points clear of second- and third-placed Woodbury and Castlemaine.

Chris Morcom’s rink leads the player ladder on six wins, one loss and +62 shots.

In second place is Bill Gardiner’s rink on an identical win-loss tally to Morcom and +38 shots.

There are six rounds to be played in the lead-up to finals.

In round nine on January 18, Heathcote will play on Castlemaine’s greens.

Although it has recorded just two wins so far, Heathcote is only a win away from fourth-placed North Bendigo in the division six standings.

The Saints scored a crucial 13-shot win in round eight at Eaglehawk.

Heathcote will be at home to play Strathfieldsaye on January 18.

Saints’ spokesman Greg Speirs said the unavailability of some players meant Heathcote had battled to field a team in some rounds.

“It’s an issue most of the smaller country clubs face each week,” he said.

In midweek pennant, Heathcote will be determined to build on a win-loss tally of two-six and two draws.

A rule change has meant the men can skipper games.

The Saints will be at home to play Woodbury when the season resumes on January 13.

There will be just four rounds to be bowled before the finals series begins.