Jake Glenn and skipper Rod Reid after a thrilling day on the greens.
Round 12 of the Campaspe Playing Area competition on Saturday was played earlier due to a forecast 39℃.
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The RSL Diggers travelled to Rochester for a 9.15am start, with the understanding 15 ends had to be completed on each rink before the mercury reached 38℃.
Rochester commenced and Niels Hilton’s team of Ian McKenzie, Jo Chick and John Wilson, on the ditch rink, got off to a steady start.
They had seven shot lead, 10-3, on the card by the fifth end.
Rochester rallied and only allowed RSL three singles while adding six to their own score, to bring the card to 13-11 at the 10th.
The ever-consistent John Wilson backed Chick’s continuing form, which enabled skipper Hilton an armchair ride as the Diggers reaped 17 shots to Rochy’s four to win 30-15.
Rod Reid’s team were first to finish with a win of three shots.
Jake Glenn shone again, annoying the opposition skipper from the start.
Chris Frampton started slowly then found her mojo, helping Archie Webster set up some desirable heads. They too were up 10-5 after five ends.
Rochy changed gear and started to close the gap, and by 16th end it was 14-12.
Reid was unlucky with some shots, but they dug deep and added another five shots compared to the home team’s four which brought the score to 19-16 after their 21 end battle.
Neighbouring rink 14, the middle of the field, had a nail biter finish with all Diggers watching on.
John Wilson, Jo Chick and Niels Hilton celebrating their 15 shot win. Absent - Ian McKenzie.
Craig Taylor skipped Graham Gordon, Tony King and Pete Thommers.
What started as a tight game by end five changed when the Diggers picked up a two, then a five, to take the score to 11-3 on the seventh end.
King was superb, coming back from a short break.
Only adding singles or twos, the score had reached 15-12 by the 16th end.
The Diggers looked safe after taking five to Rochy’s one, with the score being 20-13, but that’s when things changed.
Rochester grabbed a four and at 20-17 playing the last end, they were holding three.
Suddenly, a draw was imminent until Taylor put his first bowl down.
What could only be described as a terrible drive, it knocked a short opposition bowl through the head and moved the kitty.
Fortunately, said drive bowl arrived at the newly placed kitty for shot.
The RSL spectators that had gathered after their games had finished all cheered, but held their breath to see home team skipper Bertuch’s reply.
Fortunately, there was no change, and Taylor took the one to finish their card up at 21-17.
The exciting finish gave RSL three rink wins and an overall score of 70-48.
Picking up 16 points places the Diggers in fourth position on the ladder, a mighty achievement considering the start they had to this season.
Midweek Pennant:
The start time for today’s Midweek Pennant round had not been confirmed at the time of going to print yesterday, due to the weather predictions.
The forecast was for a top of 44℃, but with the Campaspe Playing Area’s heat rule triggered at 38℃.
If play goes ahead, there will be an earlier start time.
43°C