With only two rounds remaining in Gippsland Bowls Region Midweek Pennant, the top three appears to be now in place with the league leaders all victorious in round 12 action on Tuesday.
Defending champion and top side Lakes Entrance won its 11th match of the campaign, eclipsing Heyfield at home comfortably 77-36.
Maurice Carroll, Margaret Brandhoj, Bill Rowley and Jo Martin led the way with an exceptional 32-11 victory, well supported by Jenny and Kevin Dowie, Mike McKay and Jim Northe who were just as impressive winning 29-9.
The rink between Heyfield’s Mick Matarczyk, Maureen Kelly, Sandra and Shane Holmes tied with Lakes’ highly-rated combination, Eric Spence, Michael Bratt, Wallace Mason and Kevin Brown, 16-16.
Second-placed Sale went on its winning way, beating a gallant Paynesville at the Paynesville Bowling Club 62-49.
A victory was imperative for Paynesville if it was to stay in finals contention, but unfortunately it didn’t eventuate.
Sale was again well-served by Gail McKenzie, Pamela Carter, Michael Dowd, Neal Taylor (18-12) and Raymond Kennedy, Margaret Scenery, Bruce Melrose, Dennis Young (27-12).
Wilma Fowden, Richard Hoodless, Joe Cilauro and Margery Nathan got a rink back for Paynesville, winners 20-17.
Third-ranked Stratford consolidated its hold on third place on the ladder with a 70-54 victory over Howitt Park in East Bairnsdale.
Impressive victors for Stratford were Denis Downey, Anne Renehan, Wayne Marsden, Ian Johns (26-12) and June Richardson, Jan Morton, Kirstie White and Peter Ribolli (22-16).
Keith Wallace, Christopher Kyle, Ron Baylis and Mike Ward played some great ends late to get the Parkers over the line in the final rink, 26-22.
Bairnsdale put a further dint in fourth-ranked Maffra’s finals aspirations, winning at Maffra in a tight game, 58-54.
Maffra now sits a full game outside the top four with fixtures against Paynesville and the all-conquering Lakes Entrance to come in the final two rounds.
Winners for a much-improved Bairnsdale outfit were Ayla Romanin, Colleen Smith, Nannette Hamilton, Neil Watts (18-17) and Rod Street, Anthony Torr, Colin Smith and Jeff Watts (24-20).
Lucy Dalli, John Marshall, Geoff Landy and Craig Anderson won the other rink for Maffra on the final end, 17-16.
NEXT WEEK
Maffra v Paynesville; Bairnsdale v Howitt Park; Sale v Lakes Entrance; Stratford v Heyfield.
