Battle at Bareena
Ocean Grove looks to remain unbeaten
THE top two sides after eight rounds of the Geelong Ballarat Premier Division competition will go head-to-head at Bareena Bowls Club tomorrow.
Until last week, both Ocean Grove and Bareena were undefeated. However, Bareena let go of a comfortable margin to go down in its grand final rematch against Queenscliff.
Skipper Brannon Shelton was disappointed with the final result after such a great start.
“We let a big lead slip, they gained the momentum just before the break and unfortunately we couldn’t wrestle it back, but that’s bowls and to their credit they played well,” Shelton said.
While it was the only blemish to the season thus far for the Badgers, Shelton said his team was looking forward to this week’s challenge.
“We are playing the top side at home, more than anything for us it’s about finding a bit of form and be ready to take on the second round of matches,” Shelton said.
Jayden Plowman returns to the Bareena line-up after missing last week, while Nick Doyle makes his return as a Bareena player for his first outing this year.
Undefeated to date, Ocean Grove will be expecting a much tougher match than its last outing against Buninyong last Friday night.
A healthy crowd of about 200 spectators was at City of Geelong for its first hosting of a Premier Division match under the roof.
Skipper Tony Joel said his side’s performance on carpet Friday night was good for the teams’ confidence.
“It was our first game this season on an artificial surface, I was extremely pleased at the way our side adapted and that will give the players confidence heading to Bareena, they are a very talented side who play with loads of energy.
“We will embrace that and look forward to a finals-type contest with plenty of atmosphere.”
Ballarat clubs will go head-to-head when Buninyong returns to its home green to take on Webbcona, while Victoria will be looking for its first match points against Sebastopol at home.
The Geelong battle lines will be drawn as Highton hosts Eastern Park, while Lara will be keen to return to the winners’ list against Queenscliff.