VICTORIA has finally hit top form, securing a dramatic six-shot victory over Queenscliff in round four of the Ballarat Geelong District Premier Division bowls season.
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The Vics utilised their home ground advantage to grind out a 76-70 win over the league heavyweight on Saturday.
Brenton Coad’s rink proved to be the difference in the tight encounter, with Coad’s four trouncing opposing skipper Luke Wayth’s rink 24-12.
The other three rinks were decided by margins of four shots or less.
Victoria’s Wes Lennecke secured an important 22-20 come from behind win over Barrie Close, while Queenscliff skippers Barry Gladman and Steve Sullivan ensured the two clubs split the points with wins of their own.
Gladman’s team beat Jarrod Burt’s four 18-14, while Sullivan defeated Barry Clark 20-16.
Clark described his club’s victory as its best of the season.
“We were eight or nine down at half-time and the boys responded very well,” he said.
“We were a bit uptight and the message (then) was for everyone to relax.
“I think we’ve turned the corner – there was certainly a bit more endeavour there.”
Clark believes the Victoria selectors have finally figured out the best premier division combinations, with Neil Capuano moving into his rink to great effect and Wayne Lynch proving to be an important inclusion in Lennecke’s team over the past week.
Victoria’s calling will come next week, when it faces an impressive outfit away from home.
“It was said before the game that we need to back it up against Lara,” Clark said.
“They’ve got new greens and we’re going (into the match) totally in the dark - I don’t even know what the surface is.”
In other matches, Sebastopol jumped into the top four with a 88-84 win over the much improved Avenue, while Ocean Grove downed Webbcona 123-64.
Lara defeated Bareena 98-93 and Geelong West beat Central Wendouree 78.
