With five rounds to go, the fight for the last berth in Centrals Highlands Bowls division 1 finals looks to be down to two teams.
Gisborne, Kyneton Golf Gold and Lancefield appear to have secured spots, with Bacchus Marsh and Kyneton set to fight it out for the fourth.
Bacchus Marsh remains in the box seat for that fourth spot after extending its points gap over Kyneton on Saturday.
Kyneton suffered a 96(0)-64(0) loss to third-placed Lancefield with two of the four rinks very one-sided.
Bacchus Marsh won comprehensively, 117(18)-69(0), over Woodend.
The results put Bacchus Marsh 27 points clear of Kyneton.
Kyneton president Margaret Breadsell says that, despite the deficit, finals remained the goal and the side’s ambitions for the season were undiminished.
“Bacchus Marsh has some very good young players,” she said.
“We’re hoping we can prevail and make the finals over them.”
Kyneton’s task has been made harder with Australian representative Chloe Stewart having moved to Queensland.
Stewart has made the move in the hope it will progress her bowls and chances of again representing her country.
“We’re very sad to lose Chloe,” Breadsell said, adding she was unsure who would replace her as a skipper.
Breadsell said the club wanted to get more people into the club in the hope it will be able to discover “the next Chloe Stewart”.
“We’ve been trying to get into schools and get young people involved,” she said.
“It’s hard to get young people organised … they’re looking for a more physical activity.
“If they play barefoot bowls to start with it’s a way to get them interested.”
In other results, Gisborne suffered its first loss of the season, losing a close match to Kyneton Golf Gold 96(15)-91(3).
The result means Kyneton Golf Gold, the reigning premier, is only three points behind Gisborne on the ladder.
Romsey defeated Kyneton Golf Blue 120(18)-68(0).
Trentham, Gisborne, Kyneton and Macedon enjoyed wins in the second division.
