Rochester bowlers arrived early, keen for an exciting game as they hoped to win their first for the season. Some stacked teams certainly challenged the Diggers.
Craig Taylor’s rink of Graham Gordon, Jo Chick and Archie Webster had an even scoring game of ones and two each, being 5-5 after seven ends, then 9-9 after 14 ends.
After 11-11 on the 17th end the Diggers made a break to be 18-11 going into the last end.
The opposition skipper changed his bowling arm for his last bowl and just as this RSL rink thought they might have a 10 shot win, having three in the head, the said last bowl powered through and converted to six shots for the away team.
RSL were very lucky to get the win, albeit by one shot. Gordon was voted best on Taylor’s rink, consistent every end.
Rod Reid’s team of Lyn Hardcastle, Chris Frampton and Ron Marchetti all bowled magnificently on their rink.
After five ends the RSL led 7-3 and added shots to their score by the 10th end. Diggers continued along and at the 15th end the score was 19-5, then powered further ahead to win 28-9. A fantastic performance and brilliant win for Reid and his team.
The remaining rink with Niels Hilton’s team of Ian McKenzie, Miro Peterman and Mally Austin faced a Division 1 skipper and team that was aiming to get one win on the Division 2 ladder.
Rochy had the upper hand all game.
The score was 21-11 on the 15th end and the Diggers only managed three more singles to Rochy’s six shots, and the final score was RSL 14 to Rochester 27.
It was a devastating rink loss but overall a great win for the Diggers winning two rinks and having a final score of 60-53.
The win gave the RSL Diggers 14 points and placed them third on the Division 2 ladder with a total of 131 points.
This season has been a journey for the RSL Diggers. Members have shown great strength and determination, forming a new committee and all working hard to hold on to this great club. Members have risen to the challenge on the greens as well, filling two teams with great success.
Deni RSL Bowls Club has a rich history in the Deniliquin community, and is grateful for the support received.
The club has gone from the possibility of not being a pennant Bowling Club to reaching finals of both midweek and weekend pennant.
Midweek pennant has a break now until February 24 when RSL Diggers will play Echuca in the semi final.
Weekend pennant teams for the final game, round 15 on Saturday at home to Rich River are:
Jo Chick, Archie Webster, Ron Marchetti, Rod Reid (s); Jake Glenn, John Wilson, Tony TK King, Niels Hilton (s); Chris Frampton, Neville Austin, Peter Thommers, Craig Taylor (s). Emergency: Danny Stanmore.
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