Gwen Burge of Mount Xavier, left, and Barbara Burgess of Victoria during yesterday's match. PICTURE: KATE HEALY
WIND was the biggest battle for Mount Xavier and Victoria bowls clubs as the division one teams fought the bluster yesterday.
But Mount Xavier was able to rise to the challenge, finishing 43 shots ahead in the midweek pennant at Victoria Bowls Club.
Both sides were in division two last year but were promoted in the restructure which resulted in 10 sides in each division.
Both also went into yesterday’s game with the same playing record so far this season – one win and one loss.
Mount Xavier spokesperson Gwen Burge said the day was enjoyable for the side, particularly coming out of it with such a strong win.
“Considering the wind conditions, everyone played really well,” Burge said.
“After lunch, Victoria were the better players in my rink with Joy Adams. We held our own up until our break.
“Carmel Mitchell and Margaret McKenna both did really well.
“Margaret just had her knee done and this is Carmel’s first year as skipper.”
McKenna’s rink finished 20 shots up and Mitchell’s rink finished 30 up. The final score was Victoria on 48 and Mount Xavier on 91.
This is the first season that Mount Xavier has had a team in division one since the club re-formed in 1983.
Division chair Marilyn Blake, who is also Victoria senior vice-president, said the side was disappointed, but sometimes games were unpredictable.
“The wind was a big challenge,” she said.
“We were in the top four until today.”
The sides have a long history of playing each other, without either club being favoured over the other.
“We’ve played Mount Xavier quiet a lot – you can never pick who is going to win,” Blake said.
