Lakes Entrance 1 have made an outstanding start to their 2024/25 Gippsland Bowls Region Weekend Pennant Superleague finals campaign, easily defeating Lindenow in the qualifying final at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club last Saturday.
Lakes Entrance went into the clash full of confidence having been successful in its last four matches in the home and away season, and that held it in good steed, opening an early break and proving too good for the Cockies, 61-41 victors.
All three rinks went the way of Lakes Entrance, led by Stephen Smith, Daniel Roberts, Bill Rowley and Kevin Brown who impressed winning 24-12.
Julie Simpson, Scott Davidson, Daffy Rawlings, Mick Burge (17-12) and Eric Spence, Margaret Brandhoj, Joanne Martin and Bracken Edwards (20-17) rammed home the advantage for Lakes Entrance, who were supported by a healthy cheer squad.
A place in the grand final awaits the winner of this week’s match between reigning premier, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club.
Lakes will go in as underdogs, but with morale and confidence sky high, the winning streak now out to five, Lakes will be hoping to cause an upset against a Bairnsdale side that was beaten in the final round by Metung, who failed to make the finals.
In division two, Lakes Entrance 3 enjoyed a freshen up prior to the finals, courtesy of a bye, while fourth-ranked Lakes Entrance 4 went down to fifth-rated Bairnsdale 3 by seven shots, 60-53.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Lakes 4, winning two of three rinks, with victories to Victor Timpano, Colin Grassby, Michael Buttifant, Mark Campbell (15-14) and Joseph Hales, Roy Roberts, Peter Taylor and Greg Bertram (22-15).
The two Lakes outfits will clash in a sudden death elimination final this week, with one side guaranteed a preliminary final opportunity.
In division three, seventh-placed Lakes 6 finished their season with a disappointing loss to bottom side Howitt Park, 38-34.
Max Towan, Bill Gilbert, Dennis Olivia and Alan Light played some great bowls, winning their rink 24-15.
Lakes 5 finished the season in third spot, after winning a must win game over Bairnsdale 4, who were hoping to sneak into the finals in the final round.
With Wim Pennings, Jeannette Rowley, Suzanne Light and Tony Spinks victorious 23-17, Lakes 5 got home 42-38, ending the season of Bairnsdale 4.
THIS WEEK’S MATCHES
Division one: Bairnsdale v Lakes Entrance 1 at the Metung Bowling Club.
Division two: Lakes Entrance 3 v Lakes Entrance 4 at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club.
Division three: Lakes Entrance 5 v Bruthen at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club.
