Werribee stings Preston-Reservoir to move out of bottom two

Rob Panton’s rink pulled off a hard-fought win for Werribee. Picture Damjan Janevski

Werribee took no prisoners as it wreaked havoc on bottom-of-the-ladder Preston-Reservoir, giving its survival hopes a much-needed boost in the Bowls Victoria division 1.

With points hard to come by against the sides in the top half, the Bees knew a close win was not going to suffice against a side that is serving up close to maximum points to their rivals each week.

It all went to plan for the Bees, who strolled to a three-rinks-to-one 106-53 win at the Bee Hive on Saturday, collecting 16 of a possible 18 points that lifts them out of the relegation zone.

“We were expecting to win, and had to win big to pick the points up that we obviously need,” Bees’ skip Snowy Barker said.

“It was just really good to get 16 points.

“Hopefully, it will build confidence and we can take it forward to next week.”

Werribee has moved 12 points clear of the second-last side Altona Sports.

The two sides will meet again between now and the end of the season.

The Bees don’t want to have to rely on beating Altona Sports to ensure their safety though.

They are hellbent on causing an upset against Glenroy away on Saturday.

“Every game from here on end is big,” Barker said.

“We beat them here earlier in the season, but they’ll be harder on their track.

“If we can get another win, that would be a bonus.”

Werribee’s only blemish against Preston-Reservoir was the Mick O’Neil rink, which fell by eight shots.

Barker, up 29, and Dion Warnecke, up 23, were commanding winners for the Bees, while Rob Panton was a little closer, winning by nine.

For Warnecke, the most inexperienced of the skips, a big win has only further enhanced his chances of holding on to a skipper position.

“It’s his position to lose,” Barker said.

“We’re happy to keep going with him.”

Meanwhile, Hoppers Crossing has defeated Deer Park (2) 72-63 in the division 3 top of the table clash.

Hoppers picked up 16 points and opened up a 15-point lead at the top ahead of Saturday’s away clash with mid-table Werribee (3).