RSL ready for challenge

Deni RSL Bowling Club’s Division One will have a tough start to the second half of the season, hosting reigning premier Moama for round 11 of the Campaspe Valley Bowls Division tomorrow afternoon.

RSL has struggled this season, only managing the one win from nine games and sitting on the bottom of the ladder.

Moama, on the other hand, is third on the ladder, having only dropped two games.

Despite their ladder position, RSL bowls president and Division One bowler Tony Tonta is excited about the clash.

‘‘It’s always good to play the better teams,’’ he said.

‘‘We usually lift against the better sides. Moama was the only team that we beat last year and they were on top of the ladder at that stage.

‘‘We went into Division One to use it as a learning curve and to better our bowls. The more we get to play against the top sides the better it is for us.’’

The last time these sides met came in round six when a hosting Moama was victorious by 16 shots. Tonta said it was a great battle throughout the day.

‘‘We went down on all three rinks so to be 16 shots behind isn’t too bad,’’ he said.

‘‘It’ll be interesting to see how we go as we’ve moved a few from Division One down to Division Three to try and ensure we have plenty of numbers available for finals should Division Three make it.

‘‘The more players we have available for finals the better as some players may be unavailable at that time of year.’’

Ken Wellard was crowned as the A grade singles champion for Deni RSL for the second time last month.

In the decider he defeated Mark Quor 25-8, claiming his first title win at the club since the 2012/13 season.