Yarraville-Footscray is still awaiting that elusive first win in its promotion season in the Bowls Victoria metro premier division.
The Combine suffered a sixth consecutive loss in heartbreaking fashion to finals contender Essendon at Francis Street on Saturday.
They were edged 87-80 overall but scooped up two rinks that might have been more if not for an across-the-board final-end fade out.
“We were with them all day,” Combine skip Wayne Roberts said. “We just couldn’t win any of the last four ends.”
The Combine have been competitive in most of their games, despite being relatively inactive in the off-season transfer market. Three of their six losses have been by single-figure margins.
“Essendon are a very good side and will probably make the finals,” Roberts said. “To be competitive against them was good; you can take something positive out of it.”
Alan Dove’s rink was down and out at the midway point but stormed home to beat Aaron Tompkins 25-19 as the highlight of the day for the Combine.
Jamie Pierce had a 20-15 win over Anthony Flapper, leading most of the way.
Losses to Roberts (19-24) and Aaron Putts (16-29) deflated the Combine’s overall performance.
With powerhouse Melbourne coming up this Saturday, the Combine’s job doesn’t get any easier.
“It’s a matter of getting the first one and then two or three might come our way,” Roberts said.
Altona’s inconsistent form sees it smack bang in the middle of the ladder with a 50 per cent record.
The side went down 77-68 to Melbourne in a blockbuster, splitting the rinks, with Brenton Coad and Brett Foley picking up rink victories.
The A’s face early pacesetter Brighton on the road on Saturday.
