Hoppers Crossing has produced a stunning fightback to beat Melton 88-75 on the road in Bowls Victoria division 2 on Saturday.
Down by as much as 20 shots at one stage, Hoppers came back from the dead to secure their third victory in four games.
For Hoppers skip Bill Russell, the win was all about a never-say-die approach.
“Being down on the scoreboard at the half-time break, we knew we were in trouble,” he said. “But coming back to the club after two years away, I have noticed improvement in players’ abilities and a never give up attitude … all rinks rallied and dug deep to pick up enough shots to win overall.”
Hoppers claimed 14 points out of the game after winning two rinks.
The newest Hoppers skip, Adrian Marston, led his rink to a big 29-13 win.
Russell’s rink handled Melton’s new synthetic green the best, picking up a 26-12 win.
The win lifted Hoppers to third on the ladder and has given it a bit of momentum ahead of a date with Maribyrnong Park.
In division 1, Werribee featured in the match of the day against Glenroy as two undefeated sides squared off. The game lived up to the hype, with the Bees pipped by two shots at Chirnside Park.
“It was going to be a tough ask playing Glenroy, the top-of-the-ladder team, but the boys gave their all,” Bees committee chair Steve Weston said.
Werribee took out three of the four rinks, but lost heavily in one rink and that cost the side overall.
Victorious for the Bees were Peter Yasser (19-16), Rob Smith (24-16) and Ian Milledge (18-14).
The Peter Williams rink had an off day, going down 32-13.
Werribee – still looking strong in third place with 50 points, just eight behind leaders Glenroy – will face Altona in a huge western derby on Saturday at Civic Parade.
In division 5, Point Cook Village defended its spot at the top of the ladder with an 82-59 win over Sunshine RSL. Palm Lake went down 81-77 to Mt Cottrell, but remains well placed in second position.
