The Anzac green, which had been rested, was freshly cut and rolled, and was in top shape for this much awaited game.
Before the match Echuca were third on the ladder, with Diggers just behind in fourth.
On rink three, Craig Taylor’s team of Al Hodges, Jo Chick and Archie Webster had a steady start and were up 5-3 on the fifth end, following this up with a two, then not scoring again until scores were even on seven.
They took a one and made a break on the 11th end. They added seven more to their score before Echuca picked up a one then a three, the latter the result of opposition skipper Belinda Chong’s self declared “terrible” second bowl, which wicked and ducked, and resulted in three shots. Both teams were gobsmacked and the score became 15-11.
RSL dug deep and added five shots to Echuca’s only one, making the final score 20-12, which was a brilliant win to this formidable side.
Rod Reid’s team of Jim Jennings, Chris Frampton and Ron Marchetti had an equally tight start. Jennings, returning from a break, led well and they were 3-2 on the fifth end.
Over the next five ends RSL managed to add just three shots to their score while Echuca added six, to lead 6-8.
The next five ends had the same result with Reid’s team again managing just three shots to Echuca’s six. Being five down on the 15th end, RSL needed to dig deep.
They clawed back two shots, but this gave Echuca a three shot win.
The final rink of Ian McKenzie, Miro Peterman, Neville Austin and Niels Hilton had a tight start as well, the score 4-4 after five ends.
Over the next five ends RSL got a break and added six shots to the visitors two. Echuca rallied, however the Diggers maintained the lead and were up 15-10 after 15 ends.
Echuca closed the gap to 15-14, but the Diggers finished strongly to win 23-17.
This helped RSL to an 11 shot overall win, 57-46. As a result they replaced Echuca in third position on the ladder.
All teams were commended on their determination and sportsmanship.
The RSL Diggers Best on Ground Award, voted by team Echuca skippers, went to Niels Hilton. Congratulations on a great game and a brilliant last bowl.
Next Tuesday the Diggers are at home again hosting Rochester for Round 14, the last of the home and away games for the midweek season.
Weekend Pennant
On Saturday RSL will travel to Lockington for the last round of weekend pennant.
Teams to be finalised.
The temperature is forecast to be 38 degrees, so members are advised there could be a change to start times.
15°C