Yarraville-Footscray is fiercely competitive in the Bowls Victoria metro premier division, but that has not equated to a tick in the wins column.
The newly promoted Bulldogs can be admired for their fight, but they lack the polish to be any more than a nagging little brother.
They had a gilt-edged opportunity to claim a scalp when leading Melbourne late in the game away on Saturday, but went down 89-71 in familiar fashion.
“We’re sort of competitive for three quarters of the game and just can’t finish it off,” Bulldogs skip Wayne Roberts said.
“We’re competitive. This is about the third or fourth game where we’ve had a chance to win, but we just can’t get over the line.”
The two sides split the four rinks after the Bulldogs had a three-to-one advantage for most of the afternoon.
Alan Dove led most of the game only to capitulate for a 22-17 defeat.
Aaron Putt was mauled 31-10, which put a significant dent in the overall score.
Roberts, fresh from winning the Victorian Open singles title, continued his white hot week with a 20-16 victory.
Jamie Pearce held on for a 24-20 win.
The Bulldogs host top-of-the-ladder Brighton on Saturday.
“We’re a chance at home,” Roberts said. “We’re going to give it the best shot we’ve got.”
Meanwhile, Altona has plunged deeper into the mire with an 87-69 loss to Brighton away on Saturday.
The A’s were considered a genuine premiership threat before the season but are not living up to the hype and have a 3-4 record.
They will entertain bottom side Burwood District in a must-win game at Civic Parade on Saturday.
