It was a bitter-sweet end to the Bowls Victoria premier division season for Bundoora RSL, which will miss finals despite a triumphant win over top side Brighton.
Bundoora had a terrific start to the season, winning six of the first eight, before a mid-season form slump confined it to the lower reaches of the top grade.
Bundoora finished sixth with a 9-8 win-loss record, frustrated knowing it had beaten the competition’s best.
Following on from a win over Melbourne the previous weekend, Bundoora dominated the clash against Brighton, winning all four rinks and taking a 34-shot win overall.
Fifteen-year-old skipper Josh Corless scored a second consecutive win, prevailing by 23-10, while Luke Aiello (27-15), Nick McIntyre (18-16) and Damon Di Florio (21-14) all had comfortable wins.
Di Florio said it was an “awesome” way to finish the season.
“It was just a shame that we lost to the two bottom sides halfway through the season,” he said.
“That’s what cost us. We dropped off and it was hard to explain. We were looking at each other playing good bowls but it just wasn’t happening for us.
“When the opposition plays a big bowl you’ve really have to answer it with the very next bowl.”
Despite knowing they would not play finals Bundoora was keen to finish the season off in style.
“I think once the guys realised we were going to miss finals they relaxed a bit and started to play better,” Di Florio said.
“I said to my guys that if we stand there holding the door open someone will walk through it.
“And we did it, we were in control from the word go. In windy conditions on our home ground we felt it was a massive advantage for us and they didn’t handle it at all.”
Di Florio tipped Clayton for the title.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Brighton don’t go through to the grand final,” he said. “You can’t discount Moonee Ponds and Melbourne but I think Clayton have the form on the board.”
