Lakes Entrance Bowling Club claimed two wins from five matches at the Moama Bowling Club over the weekend during the Champions of State Pennant tournament.
The club finished third on the ladder behind unbeaten Moonee Valley, who proved too strong in the state final with a 50–33 win over Ocean Grove.
Lakes began their campaign against fellow Gippsland champions Traralgon, who outclassed them 58–35. The only winning rink for Lakes came from Eric Spence, Margaret Brandhoj, Darren Martin and Joanne Martin, who produced a strong 21–9 victory.
Round two saw a far more competitive showing against Tallygaroopna, although the opposition prevailed 41–32. Stephen Smith, Jim Northe, Kevin Brown and Bradley Lancaster impressed with a solid 15–7 rink win.
Lakes secured their first overall win after lunch on Saturday, defeating Colac 51–43. Spence, Brandhoj and the Martins again led the way with a dominant 21–12 performance, including a decisive five-shot haul on the 11th end. Smith, Northe, Brown and Lancaster held control at 14–6 but were reeled in late, finishing in a 14–14 draw.
Moonee Valley continued their dominant form against Lakes, recording a comfortable 50–27 win. Spence, Brandhoj and the Martins were once again Lakes’ best performers, narrowly going down 16–13 after a strong finish that included a five-shot final end.
In their final match of the weekend, Lakes produced one of their best performances to defeat Karingal 48–35. Smith, Northe, Brown and Lancaster won their rink 18–8, while Spence, Brandhoj and the Martins secured a tight 20–18 victory.
Against the state’s strongest sides and proven winners, Lakes Entrance held their own throughout the tournament and can take confidence from a competitive showing across all matches.
