Point Cook Bowls Club has secured a spot in the grand final of the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 4, section 1 finals. The achievement comes after a challenging preliminary final win against Altona Sports on Sunday, following a disappointing loss in the semi-finals the previous day.
Having finished the season at the top of the standings, Point Cook was given two opportunities to reach the grand final. The club faced Altona Sports in the semi-finals on Saturday, suffering a significant defeat with a score of 83 (16) to 65 (2). Only one skip, Brian Turner, managed to secure a victory, winning his match 22-15. Other skips, including Jim Rayner, Barry Watson, and John Greygoose, experienced losses, contributing to the overall disappointment.
Point Cook’s chairman of selectors, Gary Boddington, expressed his frustration after the semi-final loss, particularly because the defeat occurred on their home green. “We went in with so much confidence after finishing top,” he stated. The team needed to win against Altona 4 on Sunday to keep their championship hopes alive.
In a remarkable turnaround, Point Cook won the preliminary final against Altona 4 with a score of 86 (15) to 67 (3). The team displayed strong performances, with Greygoose’s rink winning 28-21 and Rayner’s rink achieving a commanding 23-8 victory. Despite Turner’s rink losing 22-19 and a draw of 16-all from Bruce Mummery, who stepped in for the absent Watson, the team’s overall performance secured them a place in the grand final.
The victory not only propels Point Cook into the grand final against Altona Sports on their home field but also guarantees promotion to division 3 for the next season, as the top two teams advance. “It’s exciting,” Boddington commented about the upcoming match. “We only played them once during the season, and we didn’t get to play them on their green due to a washout. We’re going to try and make the most of our second chance to beat them.”
In related news, Palm Lake has also advanced to the division 5, section 1 grand final after a decisive win against Club Sunbury 4 on Saturday, with a score of 83 (17) to 70 (1). Despite some close matches, including a draw in Trish Thick’s rink, Palm Lake’s strong showing ensures they will compete in the final against Sunbury 4.
As the grand finals approach, both Point Cook and Palm Lake are poised to make their mark in the Bowls Victoria championships, showcasing the talent and determination of their respective clubs. The upcoming matches promise to deliver excitement and competition, as both teams aim for victory.
