Show of strength

BERWICK BOWLS
BERWICK Bowling Club supporters turned out in force at the Boronia Club last Thursday to cheer on the Berwick Division 2 Section 5 pennant side in their sectional final against Heatherdale.
Both sides had a win each in face-offs during the home-and-away season so a close tussle was expected and supporters were not disappointed.
Boronia provided a free running green and Berwick was away to an early lead with Joan Heggart’s rink establishing a handy margin. However, Doug Harlow’s and Michael Adams’ rinks were struggling with a close game not able to get a good start up front. Heatherdale dug deep and restricted the lunch break lead to a four-shots deficit with Heggart’s rink the only leader for Berwick at this stage.
The green quickened as the day went on and Heatherdale applied the pressure. Short ends were a challenge to Heggart’s rink and the other two rinks struggled, seeing Heatherdale take the lead. However, this was when Berwick dug deep. With Bev Bristow and Val Wynan lifting their game and Julie McDonald and Pat Thompson steadying, the rinks of Doug Harlow and Mike Adams slowly pegged back the opposition. Joan Heggart’s rink soon also regaining composure and Berwick again took control.
With scores close, Doug Harlow’s rink scored a five and Mike Adams’ rink scored two fours, coming from nine shots down to level the scores with an end to play. The ladies in Doug Harlow’s rink continued to lift taking control to go on to a 12-shots win after earlier trailing by nine shots and Mike Adams’ rink losing the last end to go down by two shots.
Joan Heggart’s rink which had again assumed control bled shots towards the end but won by four shots in a highly competitive game.
Result: Berwick 72 d Heatherdale 58.
Divisional quarter-finals
Berwick Bowlers journeyed to Heathmont to play Burden Park in the Metropolitan Divisional Quarter Final on Tuesday 3 March.
After an inspiring pre-match address from Berwick veteran skip Doug Harlow regarding the importance of a strong start, Berwick responded with a succession of multiple shot-winning ends to quickly establish an early lead that they did not relinquish.
With solid starts up front from Bev Bristow and Val Wynan, and good support from Jean Reddy, Harlow’s rink laid the foundation for a strong performance.
Mike Adam’s rink had a similar start with Jean Fothergill and Julie McDonald setting the tone for strong heads and Pat Thompson ably supporting to give Adams an armchair ride. The third rink skippered by Joan Heggart also struck early not allowing the opposition to settle down with super veteran 90-year-old lead bowler Rodney Beevors drawing the occasional shot. He was well supported by Lois Adams. Heggart had the luxury of not having to produce her best, saving it for the semi-final.
Scores: Berwick 83 shots defeated Burden Park 28 shots.
Berwick will now go on to play Heidelberg Golf Bowling Club in the Divisional semi-finals at the Mitcham Club, today, Thursday 5 March starting at 10.30am.