By Rodney Bates
In a fantastic set of results, Yarra Glen will have all three weekend pennant teams represented in next weekends Section Final series.
Yarra Glen Division 1 team needed a win to ensure a finals spot, playing Mooroolbark on our home green.
With Croydon only four points behind in fifth, the pressure was on all rinks going into the game.
Mooroolbark kept the rink scores very close all day, with Yarra Glen getting over the line 82-70 (16 points).
C. Carswell 25/17; S. Manifold 16/17; Beau Simmons 17/14; J. Sproat 24/22.
The side finished in fourth position and will play a first semi-final next Saturday away at Bundoora.
Division 4 Side 2 were playing Heathmont away, having already secured a top 2 finish.
A win would guarantee a home final, so still a lot to play for.
While Heathmont took a small lead early, Yarra Glen adapted to the green better, and by the break had a solid lead.
The team then put down the accelerator to come away with a three rink 16 point win 95-54.
S. Smith 26/9; M. Ramage 25/13; R. Thurkle 13/24; A. Thurkle 31/8.
Yarra Glen will play Heatherdale in a second semi final at home next week.
Side 3 were sitting in fourth spot, ahead of fifth by eight points, so a win would mean playing finals.
The weather intervened after a few ends and interruptions, eventually meaning the game was] abandoned to share the points with Lilydale 9-9.
With other results falling our way, Side 3 will play a home semi-final against Mitcham
Midweek Division 2 is a very close competition. Yarra Glen, whilst 5 th before this weeks game, were still in danger of relegation if they lost the last two games.
Mooroolbark at home were similarly trying to avoid relegation, so an important game for both teams. Mooroolbark jumped out to an early lead, but Yarra managed to peg this back to an even contest at the break. Some good bowls from Yarra then enabled us to get into the lead late, and in the end a solid win 67/52 (14 points).
P. Leonard 15/21; P. Tirant 23/17; M. Creighton 29/14.
The team is now safe from relegation, but must win against local rivals Healesville this coming Tuesday to play finals.
Yarra Glen’s second side, playing away at Bayswater had a win for the second week in a row, albeit in a very close contest 63-60 (13 Points).
L. Baker 17/17; T. Dickson 30/17; D. McMenaman 16/26.
