Sebastopol’s Maurie Oates readies to roll his bowl in the first premier division match of the season against Ocean Grove.
THE COLD weather did not affect any of the Ballarat-Geelong Premier Division, with all five games going ahead.
For Avenue, there was a lot to prove in their first game back in the premier division. Although they didn’t come out with a victory, they showed that this year they are contenders.
Avenue president and player Peter Thistlethwaite said the side performed well, and that they are trying to be in the premier division next year.
They played Webbcona at Webbcona, losing 103 to 80, with the rinks divided two each way.
“At lunch time, we were even leading by about six shots, but we were unable to hold that lead,” Thistlethwaite said.
“We’re more of a team this year. We’ve also had Glen Sargeant, who has come across from Werribee. He’s a great motivator for the side, and keeps his team up well.”
“Skipper Darren Fletcher did extremely well, although he won’t admit it.”
Fletcher’s team was in the last end when they were able to convert from two up and win the rink by one shot, with the rink finishing on Webbcona on 23 to Avenue on 24.
Webbcona chairman of selectors and skipper Brett Mahoney said although the side didn’t have a solid start, they were happy with the final result.
“We were rusty getting started, with the first game for the year. We started coming back after afternoon tea,” Mahoney said.
“Tony Wood’s rink went down in a close tussle, where they finished three shots behind 27 to 24. And Ash McArthur’s rink was also close, but they finished strongly leading 29 - 2.
“My rink was fairly competitive for most of the day, but we broke away and finished 15 shots ahead, 27 to 12.”
Ron Ritchie and Ross Brown moved up to the premier division from Webbcona’s division one team, and according to Mahoney, earnt the places yesterday.
“Both bowled really well,” he said.
Mahoney said his side felt the pressure that Avenue brought to the competition on Saturday and said they will be more competitive this year in the premier side.
