Yarraville-Footscray has been an early surprise packet in Bowls Victoria’s premier division.
The Bulldogs claimed victories in their first two games since being promoted from division 1 and took perennial contender Melbourne all the way while away on Saturday.
Bulldogs skip Wayne Roberts reckons it was no mean feat to come away with two rinks in an 82-65 loss to powerhouse Melbourne, even if his side didn’t reap the ultimate reward.
“Even in my days, when Yarraville were up the top and when I played at Altona, it was always a hard place to win at Melbourne – they’re a good side,” he said.
“History has proven they’re always in the finals.
“It’s disappointing to lose any game, but on the bright side we got two rinks up and that’s a positive.
“Every two points we can pinch along the way is going to help us get ourselves out of relegation trouble or even have us knocking on the door for finals.”
The game was not as cut and dried as the final score suggests.
The Bulldogs had a sniff of victory as late as the 65th end.
“For three quarters of the game, we were with them, if not in front – and then we just fell away,” Roberts said.
“Two rinks got into a bit of trouble and the other two rinks couldn’t cover it.”
Roberts had a 21-15 win over Scott Mortimer, while Chris Ball was victorious 21-17 over Brett Leighton.
Ball has been one of the Bulldogs’ standouts in the opening three weeks.
“He’s played exceptionally well and skippered well,” Roberts said.
The Bulldogs’ two losing rinks spun out of control late on.
Nathan Murray suffered a 14-shot loss and Alan Dove was beaten by 13.
The Bulldogs will return home to Francis Street on Saturday to face Essendon in a match that will feature two sides with 2-1 records and strong form.
“They had a loss to Mentone, who we beat the week before, so we give ourselves a chance at home,” Roberts said.
“It doesn’t matter who you play on any given day; they’re all good players, they’re all good teams. If you don’t perform at your best, you’re going to be in trouble.”
Meanwhile, Altona is the last remaining undefeated side in the premier competition after it routed Bundoora RSL 82-54 at home on Saturday.
Brett Foley, Brad Peck and Mathew Rennex skippered winning rinks for the A’s.
