Flag defence starts off on the right note

Ocean Grove began its premiership defence with a win in round one. (Ivan Kemp) 369036_01

Ocean Grove has opened its Geelong Bowls Region Premier Division premiership defence in style.

The Grovers enjoyed an 83 to 32 win against Bell Post Hill at home to suggest they will be thereabouts at the business end of the season again.

The revamped eight-team Premier Division got underway on Saturday October 28 and Ocean Grove was well led by Matt Flapper, who skipped his rink to a 31-10 win, Peter Loe (28-6) and Brad Pavey (24-16).

Highton defeated Eastern Park in the closest match of the round.

Highton won all three rinks with David Priddle (20-15), Dan Priddle (21-20) and Scott McLachlan (25-20) all skipping their rinks to victories and an overall result 61 to 50.

City of Geelong got off to a winning start with a 65 to 50 win at home against Queenscliff.

Nicholas Craven had a 23 to 12 win and Lee Greening won 24 to 16 while Benjamin Russell pulled one back for Queenscliff, winning 22 to 18.

Bareena proved too good for Drysdale with a 76 to 48 triumph away from home.

Chris Richardson got home by the barest of margins over Mark Godbolt while John Shell and Karl Weil made sure Bareena took all 16 points from the game.

This week Bareena hosts Eastern Park while Bell Post Hill entertains Drysdale.

Ocean Grove makes the short trip to Queenscliff and City of Geelong does likewise to Highton.