By Tara Murray
Sunbury has moved to the top of the Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1, section 1 ladder with its best win of the season.
In a battle between the top two teams, it was Sunbury that came out on top and in the process overtook opponent Moonee Valley on the ladder.
In a match where Sunbury could have quite easily come away with the full 18 points, it had to settle for three rink wins.
The final result was 87 (16)-62 (2).
The day didn’t get off to the best start for Sunbury, with Australian star Carla Krizanic a late withdrawal through illness.
It meant a reshuffle of the teams on the morning of the game.
Danny Fortune stepped up and skipped Krizanic’s normal rink, which lost by two shots, 19-17.
Sunbury’s David Glennon said it was pleasing that they had players who could step up when they needed to.
“To get someone in like Danny and still play well and only lose by two shots is really pleasing,” he said.
In the other rinks, Lee Wesley’s won 21-14, Todd Trewarne’s won 22-18 and Mark Cowan’s won 27-11. Cowan’s rink picked up 10 shots in two rinks late to blow out the margin.
Glennon said it was unusual for a team to pick up five shots in one end, let alone do it in two rinks straight.
Glennon said Wayne Long, who was in Mark Cowan’s rinks, was the standout.
He said Steve Franke, who stepped up from the second side, also played really well.
The win moves Sunbury to 219 points, one ahead of Moonee Valley on 218.
Both sides are guaranteed to finish top two.
Photo Gallery: Sunbury vs Moonee Valley
Glennon said it was pleasing to show the side could match it with the team that has been the benchmark all season.
Sunbury has another test this week, when it faces third-placed Glenroy.
It was a good day all round for Sunbury with four of its six sides having wins.
The second side has also assured a top two finish, while its third side remains in the mix for finals. In the Central Highlands Bowls Division, Gisborne Red’s good form continued in division 1.
Facing fellow top four hopeful Kyneton, Red put on a show, winning 123 (18)-72 (0).
Red moved to the top of the ladder following that win, coupled with Bacchus Marsh’s loss to Kyneton Golf, 94 (14)-89 (4).
Red now sits 15 points clear of Bacchus Marsh. Golf’s win moves it into the top four at the expense of crosstown rival Kyneton.
Third-placed Lancefield defeated Romsey, 105 (16)-68 (2), while Trentham got its first win of the season, defeating Gisborne Yellow 117 (16)-89 (2). Just 15 points separates second to fifth with two rounds remaining.
Bacchus Marsh, Kyneton Red, Macedon Ranges and Kyneton Golf were the winners in division 2, while Bacchus Marsh, Woodend, Lancefield, Romsey and Gisborne had wins in division 3.
