Defending champion Lakes Entrance continued its outstanding form in Gippsland Bowls Region midweek pennant, easily eclipsing Paynesville 58-41 in round nine action at Paynesville Bowling Club.
With last week’s second and third ranked sides, Stratford and Maffra, suffering disappointing defeats, Lakes Entrance now sits three matches clear at the top of the table.
It was another clean sweep for Lakes Entrance led by the competition’s number-one ranked quartet, Michael Bratt, Eric Spence, Wallace Mason and Kevin Brown who prevailed easily 25-14.
They were well-supported by Maurice Carroll, Julie Simpson, Bill Rowley, Joanne Martin (18-13) and Mike McKay, Jennifer and Kevin Dowie, Jim Northe (15-14).
There was disappointment in division two with both Lakes Entrance sides tasting defeat.
Lakes Entrance 3 hosted Metung, but the breaks didn’t go their way in a tight contest, losing 67-57, only picking up the single rink, Ian Gray up from division three combining with Treen Norder, Peter Taylor and Geoff Rawlings for a 21-15 victory.
Bairnsdale proved too good for Lakes 2 in the battle of the bottom two sides, winning 69-55 at home in a clean sweep of rinks.
With five rounds remaining Lakes 3 are in fifth place and Lakes 2 sits on the bottom of the ladder, but are only eight points in arrears of Lindenow who currently hold the all important third finals qualifying spot.
Full points were gained for both Lakes Entrance sides in division three, led by fourth-ranked Lakes 5 who scored a vital win over third-rated Paynesville at home 43-24.
Still a game adrift of the all important top three, Lake 5 is certainly close enough to strike with five rounds remaining.
Robyn Auscote, Margo Short, Sandra Hudson and Ernie Smith were again in top four, winners this week 23-14, well supported by Netty Smith, Suzanne Light, Rhonda O’Neill and Ross Irvine, who were comfortable 20-10 victors.
Unbeaten ladder leader Lakes 4 picked up a forfeit from Bruthen.
