It was a matter of inches as Rosamond fell just short against Altona in Premier Division Bowls. 71643 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Liam Twomey
ANOTHER week and it was another honourable loss for the Rosamond Bowls Club as they were defeated by Altona 79-74 in round two of the Premier Division Bowls season.
The Rockets were twice behind throughout the day and were able to come back on both occasions to put the home side back under pressure, before falling just short.
Their performance drew praise from Altona Bowls Club president Neal Pattie.
“We thought it would be a bit of an easier clash than what it was. They were in front of us a fair bit of the day and they played really well,” Pattie said.
“In the end we were happy to get over the line by five. They really are an amazing team the way they are able to compete.”
“They come out each year and everyone thinks they will be easy to beat and it just never goes that way.”
After a last roll loss in round one, the Rockets are hoping their good play will equate to wins in the near future.
“It’s always hard to beat Altona at Altona. We were a bit stiff last week losing by a shot. We had our chances and didn’t take them,” Rosamond president Steve Fowler said.
“It was just one of those days and we just fell short again. It gives us confidence but it can also damage your confidence. Hopefully we can win one of these close ones soon.”
David Wilcocks was the stand-out for Rosamond on the day as he produced a classy performance in search of the upset.
The Rockets begin preparations now for a clash against Moonee Ponds this week in back-to-back away matches.
They welcome back David Zitter to the side, who Fowler predicted to have a big year at the start of the season.
“David hasn’t played the last two weeks and he will be back this week from holidays. If we had him the first two weeks we might be 2-0,” Fowler said.
“This week’s a different kettle of fish, we normally have a good battle with Moonee Ponds,”
“They are probably going to be better than the two we have played already. We are over these honourable losses though.”
