Statement win has Belmont on a high

BELMONT last week showed the Division 1 competition it is the real deal, accounting for previously undefeated Bell Post Hill.

Belmont’s Steve Davies asked for a consistent effort across the board — and his team delivered.

Joe Lamanna, Manuel Koulkoudinas, Shane Carbines and skipper Ray Farley set up the result with their rink’s 18shot margin and if they can replicate that effort Belmont will be hard to defeat on the City of Geelong surface.

Bell Post Hill, on the other hand, retained its grip on the ladder leadership despite the loss.

“We have made a few changes in various positions,” Bell Post Hill coach Craig McCarron said. “We were very disappointed with last week’s effort across the board, only six of our 16 players were satisfied with their performance.”

Bell Post Hill takes on a Leopold side that also lowered its colours last week to Lara 2 at home.

Leopold coach Paul Williamson said it was tough for his side to be at full strength.

“Unavailability is hurting us badly,” Williamson said.

Leopold enters the match of the round without two of its skippers. Col Pavey and Tony Kelly have been ruled out.

“We think Division 1 is very even It’s all on the day and anyone can beat anyone,” Williamson said.

The Leopold skipper is looking forward to a potential match-up with former premiership teammate McCarron. The pair played in Metropolitan Pennant with Melbourne Bowls Club.

Portarlington hosts Highton 2 tomorrow on its new TigerTurf carpet green.

Highton, fresh from a big Round 7 win against City of Geelong — sits third on the ladder.

Several Highton players have enjoyed a run on the Portarlington green this week in preparation for the clash.

Portarlington hosted its annual men’s classic fours, which included a handful of Highton Division 1 players.

Portarlington skipper Charlie Sproal, however, put all the emphasis back on his players.

“If you don’t have confidence, you may as well not turn up,” Sproal said.

St Leonards ventures to Lara with an unchanged lineup and can take a great deal of confidence into its clash.

“Confidence is growing. Our last two wins have been come-from-behind wins, which is great,” St Leonards spokesman Barry Culph said.

In the final Round 8 match, Geelong Cement returns home to take on winless Queenscliff.