OCEAN GROVE BOWLS
Ninth four weeks ago and now sitting fourth with four wins in a row, the Midweek Grovers are making their late charge towards the final four.
The latest outing against top side Highton on the grass at Grove resulted in 14 points to the home side.
Taking on the second-ranked team City of Geelong this week will give the side a chance of top two with four rounds to go.
Lorraine Kirk along with Gary Burkett, Jeff Howarth and Adele Ryan took their time to get a start but when they did led the way for the home side as they marched to an eight sot win.
Faye Richardson took the two points with her 26-22 rink win.
The high-flying Division 2 team, which sits top of the table, will go head to head with Bell Post Hill in a preview of a possible first final as the two teams lead the way in the premiership race.
With the minor premiership on the line it will be a great test for the Grover Magoos in Round 15 on their own greens.
Finals loom a possibility for Division 4 and 6 teams as they go into the last few games of the year.
More wins than losses will ensure Grove contests finals.
Seven wins from eight matches in Round 12 nearly had the President shouting, however the only unexpected loss came at the hands of the Division 5 side.
Round 13 and that side were very quick to rebound and take control of second-placed Clifton Springs to fight their way back into the top two position and set the scene for their Round 14 blockbuster clash with top side Eastern Park at home.
The 2017 form for the Premier division continues and a win away against third placed Webbcona and home clash against City Oval has the team well placed and a game clear of their nearest rival in second place.
Brett Irvine, Shaun Myers, Ken Thomas and Skip Matt Flapper led the way in the Webbcona clash as they took control from end one to record the match winning 28 shot margin.
Gary Burkett, Linda Flapper, Rod Brehaut and Tony Joel stepped up to the plate on the magnificent carpet surface at home to get the ten shot margin required to make the deficit between the two teams in the Grover’s favour.
Seventeen points to the total and a game clear has the former state champions well placed heading into the last five home and away games for the year.
The challenge lays ahead for the Division 1 and 3 teams as wins in the next couple of outings are crucial if they are any chance of reaching the final four.
Momentum and wins is the key to success in the fives as mentioned but also the Division 6, 8, 9 and 10 teams who are all within striking distance of finals.
The 8s and 9s on top lead the way and with the form at the right time of the year are showing they are the teams to beat.
Provincial Championships 2017
Ocean Grove will be well represented in the annual Provincial Championships for 2017.
Defending the back-to-back titles, Geelong has won in previous years. Grove’s Owen Clark, Rod Brehaut, Chris Price, Cal Hanna, Craig Hodges, Tony Joel, Mick West, Matt Flapper, along with manager Shaun Myers and emergency Brett, will make their way to Horsham next week to hopefully make it three in a row.
