Sunbury’s hopes of claiming the Bowls Victoria Pennant division 1, section 1 minor premiership have suffered a setback.
Coming off its best win of the season against Moonee Valley, Sunbury was made to work hard against finals aspirant Glenroy on Saturday.
All four rinks were close all day, with Glenroy coming away with the upset 80 (16)-71 (2) win.
Carla Krizanic’s rink was the only winning one for Sunbury, winning 21-20.
Lee Wesley’s rink lost 23-22, Mark Cowan’s rink lost 19-13, while Todd Trewarne’s rink had a rare loss, 18-15.
Sunbury’s David Glennon said it was tough day for the side, with Glenroy having a lot more to play for.
“It was close all day, with only six, three, one and one shots separating the sides.
“It’s always quite difficult to beat Glenroy at Glenroy. They are looking to try and play finals.
“It could be a dress rehearsal for a couple weeks’ time. It’s tight and there’s about four clubs at this stage fighting for finals spots.”
Glennon said there was no standouts for Sunbury in the loss, the team’s third this season.
The loss, coupled with Moonee Valley’s 18-0 win against Melton, gives Moonee Valley a 15-point lead at the top of the ladder with two rounds remaining.
Sunbury and Moonee Valley have traded the top spot in recent weeks, having opened up a massive gap on the rest of the competition.
With a weekend loss Sunbury slipped to second, but can’t fall any lower than that.
Glennon said with two rounds remaining, it would be hard for Sunbury to overtake Moonee Valley and regain top spot.
Sunbury this week faces Werribee, which is trying to avoid relegation. It then faces another side trying to avoid relegation, Melton, in the final round
It was a mixed day for Sunbury sides, with three of its six sides winning.
Sunbury’s second side had an 80 (14)-70 (4) win against Yarraville-Footscray 3 in division 3, section 1 to keep its finals hopes alive. They sit sixth on the ladder, 19 points behind fourth.
Sunbury’s third side had a 94 (16)-71 (2) win against Strathmore in division 3, section 2.
Sunbury 3 sits well clear in second place and will host a home final. It is still a chance to finish in top, currently 12 points behind Moonee Valley (2).
Sunbury (4) also remains in the finals hunt after a massive 96 (17)-39 (1) win against Essendon (5).
The win leaves Sunbury sitting sixth, 11 points behind fourth, with two rounds remaining.
