Werribee rode its luck on the way to a crucial 75-69 win over Kew Heights in the Bowls Victoria division 1.
The Bees were expected to dominate on their home turf, and the hosts led at half-time before the Heights launched a spirited comeback.
The Bees steadied late to run out six-shot winners, but it was too close for comfort for skip Snowy Barker.
“It was one that we expected to win, but it didn’t look likely three-quarters of the way though,” he said. “We were in a bit of trouble towards the end so it was quite good to get over the line.”
The Bees took strength from their incredible come-from-behind win a week earlier, when they fought back from 24 shots down to beat Richmond Union.
“We took a lot out of that game,” Barker said. “We’re digging in and finding something when we’re needing it.”
Of particular concern to the Bees is the under-performing Rob Panton rink.
Panton went down by 20 shots against the Heights, threatening the work of the three winning rinks. Barker concedes the time might have come to blow up the rink.
“I think we’re going to change it,” he said. “We’ve got to mix it up and see if we can change the balance. The losses are too big to cover in the finals.”
Peter Ware (+10), Mick O’Neil (+9) and Barker (+8) were all victorious.
Barker’s rink was in a touch-and-go situation for a while as he fought back from a seven-shot deficit.
The third-placed Bees have opened up a two-game break on fifth-placed Kew Heights and moved closer to the top two and a home final berth.
Werribee will travel to Elsternwick Club on Saturday.
