It was time for Werribee to stand up and show it meant business in Bowls Victoria division 1.
The Bees have built a strong reputation in the division in recent seasons but one win this season from the opening three matches hardly had the rest of the competition’s sides shaking in their boots.
This was an early crossroads game for the Bees against credible opposition in the form of undefeated Altona Sports.
They could win and square the ledger at 2-2 or lose and fall to 1-3 and play catch-up for the rest of the summer.
Just as important was the chance to build confidence after a rough start.
Trailing by nine shots at the mid-point of the match, the Bees produced a timely comeback to pip the visitors 76-75 in a thriller at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
Bees skip Snowy Barker did not play down the importance of the victory.
“We actually mentioned that it was a line in the sand game,” he said. “We couldn’t afford to go 1-3 down. We had to make a stand there and then.”
Like good sides do, the Bees found a way to get the victory and move away from the lower reaches of the ladder.
They had to do it without three first team regulars but the reinforcements played valuable roles.
Aaron Evans and Gavin Joyce were promoted into the side after strong form in the seconds.
Their lack of first-team exposure mattered little and they both played a part in the win.
The Bees might even reward them with repeat outings in the ones next week.
“They stood up and played well,” Barker said. “We’ll have a couple of hard decisions to make – there will be a big dilemma at selection.”
Barker rated the win highly – Altona Sports might be a newly promoted side but it’s one that has been running hot in recent weeks.
They are a team on the rise yet on Saturday the Bees showed them who was boss down the stretch.
“They had won three in a row, so they’re going all right,” Barker said.
“It got a bit close towards the end but we got through. It was a workman-like effort right across the board.”
The Bees moved up to fifth to set up a fifth-round blockbuster with fourth-placed Deer Park at Ballarat Road on Saturday.
In division 2, Hoppers Crossing went down 92-77 to ladder-leader Richmond Union, leaving the former at second-last with just one win in four games.
Hoppers Crossing will host Keilor on Saturday in a crucial match for the two struggling sides.
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