UPDATE: The Monbulk Hawks celebrated a thrilling back-to-back victory in the Saturday Pennant, defeating Boronia with a commanding score of 18/0 86/66 on October 14, 2023. This decisive win follows their first triumph of the season just a week prior, igniting a fierce competitive spirit among the players at their home venue.
The Hawks’ success was underscored by a strong team effort, despite the score not fully reflecting the challenges faced on the rinks. Every team member fought hard, demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the match. Eric Markham, stepping in for Jim Bras, led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring 24/16 as skip. Young talent Shaun Wilson, back after 17 years, provided crucial support alongside teammates Klaus Eisele and Irma Turner.
In addition to Markham’s success, Dion Addison (25/19), Brian Smith (21/16), and Rob Wilson (16/15) also emerged victorious in their respective matches, cementing a clean sweep for the Hawks. Notable contributions from Kylie Bailey, Chris Clerici, and Karen Wilson further highlighted the team’s determination and teamwork.
Meanwhile, Monbulk’s Side 2 faced a tough battle against Mitcham in Division 5. Despite losing the overall contest 4/14 74/82, Don Barnetson’s rink shone brightly, achieving the coveted “hole in one” of bowls—a maximum score of 8 points in a single end, a feat many players pursue throughout their careers. Congratulations to Barnetson and his team, which included Mark “Candles” Hoefer, Mark Johnston, and Ivan Baric.
Although Barnetson’s team celebrated, the overall outcome fell short, with Graeme Goller (20/18) being the only other successful rink. Andrew Smith (14/19) and Peter Lee (11/23) fought valiantly but couldn’t secure a win this time.
In Division 8, Side 3 celebrated their own victory against Healesville with an impressive score of 14/2 66/54. The newly formed team has quickly gained popularity, and Saturday night’s win was a testament to their growing prowess. Mike Harris led with a remarkable score of 28/19, supported by Graeme Godkin, Brendon Griffiths, and Brian Henderson. Margaret O’Brien made a strong return from injury, guiding her team to victory as well.
However, not all news was positive for Monbulk as the Midweek Tuesday Pennant brought disappointment for Side 1 in Division 1. Hosting Eltham, they suffered a surprising defeat of 2/14 55/64, a match they expected to win. Rob Wilson (21/20) provided a glimmer of hope, but Jim Bras (15/23) and Brian Smith (19/21) fell short.
On a brighter note, Monbulk’s Side 2 in Division 3 secured a strong win against Heathmont, triumphing 14/2 67/53. This victory propels them to second place on the ladder, showcasing the team’s continued improvement this season. Ray Pike (24/15) and Andrew Smith (23/17) led the charge, while Don Barnetson narrowly missed out on a win with a score of 20/21.
Lastly, the match for Side 3 in Division 5 was abandoned due to adverse weather conditions, as Eastwood Golf’s greens were deemed unplayable following recent rains. The local greenskeeper made the decision to protect the surface, leading to disappointment for the players.
As the Monbulk Hawks continue their season, all eyes will be on their upcoming matches as they aim to build on their momentum and secure further victories. Stay tuned for more updates as the competition heats up!
