In a dramatic day of Gippsland Bowls Region (GBR) Weekend Superleague Pennant, Lakes Entrance 2 crashed out of the competition in the final round last Saturday at home against West Sale.
It was better news for Lakes Entrance 1, recording a comprehensive victory over Howitt Park in Bairnsdale, improving its final position on the ladder to second, setting up a qualifying final this week against Lindenow.
Lakes 2 began the weekend in the all-important fifth position, with victory a prerequisite if it was to be part of the finals action in 2024/25. Unfortunately it went down in a thriller, a contest that fluctuated throughout the afternoon, West Sale prevailing late 56-52.
The loss dropped Lakes 2 to seventh place, missing the finals by seven points, the difference being the eight points on offer for a defeat of their opponent, who interestingly registered their eighth win of the season, more than fifth-ranked Paynesville, but only enough for ninth on the final table.
The only victors for Lakes 2 were Michael Bratt, Maurice Carroll, Barry Roberts and Harley Johnson, who impressed 23-16, the other to rinks going the way of West Sale 22-13 and 18-16.
Lakes Entrance 1 was much too good for Howitt Park, who were unable to post a win for the season, confirming their position as wooden spooners, Lakes 1 winners 75-48.
Lakes was led brilliantly by Bracken Edwards, Joanne Martin, Eric Spence and Margaret Brandhoj, who were victorious in dominant fashion 36-14, well-supported by Stephen Smith, Daniel Roberts, Bill Rowley, Kevin Brown (18-15) and Julie Simpson, Scott Davidson, Daffy Rawlings and Mick Burge (21-19).
It was a great week for Lakes Entrance in division two with both sides successful, led by third-ranked Lakes 3 who defeated second-placed Paynesville at home 60-53 in a hard-fought match, confirming their place in this year’s final series.
With just one round to play, they are sufficiently clear of the fourth-placed Lakes 4, who will miss the major action this season.
The division’s leading combination, Ian Morris, Ray Ricca, Bob Lucas and Samuel Berlingeri led the way for Lakes 3, in ominous form victorious 28-9.
They were well supported by Lynton Rathjen, Stanley Short, Geoffrey Rawlings and Mark Elliott, who surged late to win 22-18.
Lakes 4 was a spirited winner over Howitt Park, 71-57, despite splitting the rinks.
The win came off the back of a sensational 32-16 performance from Ern Smith, Stephen Adams, David Ramsay and Rob Norder.
Victor Timpano, Colin Grassby, Michael Buttifant and Mark Campbell halved their rink with a hard-fought 17-all draw.
In division three Lakes Entrance 5 kept its finals dream alive with a gallant win at Eagle Point over Bairnsdale Golf 1, 44-39.
Wim Pennings, Jeannette Rowley, Suzanne Light and Tony Spinks were on point winning 24-19 while Ian Gray, Angelo Alonso, Mervyn Pratt and Charlie Abela, halved their rink, 20-20.
Bruthen was much too good for Lakes Entrance 6 in the other match, 64-25 victors, even with Max Towan, Robyn Auscote, Bill Gilbert and Alan Light taking their rink, 21-19.
THIS WEEK
Division 1: Lakes Entrance 2 v Lindenow.
Division 2: Bairnsdale 3 v Lakes Entrance 4; Lakes Entrance 3 bye.
Division 3: Howitt Park v Lakes Entrance 6; Lakes Entrance 5 v Bairnsdale 4.
PREVIEW
Despite going down to Lindenow in round seven, 63-47, Lakes Entrance 1 will go into this week’s qualifier full of confidence, having won their final four matches of the season.
Players like Smith, Simpson, Martin and mid-season addition Edwards are all in peak form and will set a high benchmark for the Lakes Entrance team.
The winner will get first shot at reigning premier Bairnsdale for an all-important spot straight into the decider.
GIPPSLAND BOWLS REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS
The GBR mixed pairs championship was decided at Lakes Entrance last Sunday as Martin teamed up with Paynesville’s Simon Kiss to be successful over the Orbost duo of Bradley Lancaster and Robyn Kellow, winning 17-4 in steamy conditions.
Interestingly Martin and Lancaster combined to win the title in 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Martin and Kiss will represent Gippsland at the state championships in Bendigo in April.
LABOUR DAY TOURNAMENT
Lakes Entrance will host an invitation two-bowl triples tournament on March 8-9.
The event will consist of five games of 16 ends, with $6000 in prizes up for grabs.
