WANGARATTA caused a boilover in Ovens and Murray A1 bowls when it brought down Corowa Civic 93-82 at Wangaratta on Saturday.
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In one of the upsets of the season, the home side gained the winning break through Maurie Braden’s rink.
Braden eclipsed Tom Webb 36-12 with lead Graham Smith setting up the victory.
“Graham was very good,” Braden said.
“He bowled really well and set it up for us.
“He played well last season and has continued the same way.”
Smith’s form has been a huge plus for Wangaratta and recently attracted the attention of association when they picked him to play for the Ovens and Murray against Albury and District.
Wangaratta’s Ian Brimblecombe edged out Scott Widdison 24-20 to give the home side two rink victories.
Corowa Civic stayed in touch on the back of Max Scanlan’s 28-13 win over Matt Muller.
Ken Widdison edged out Greg McDonald 22-20.
Braden said it was an important win to stay in touch with the top four.
“It was excellent,” he said.
“Corowa Civic is a good side and this keeps us around the mark in a pretty tight competition.
Corowa Civic is a good side and this keeps us around the mark in a pretty tight competition. Everyone played well.
- Maurie Braden
“Everyone played well.”
The win was crucial for Wangaratta after its recent showdown against winless Corowa Services was washed out.
Wodonga continued its strong form with a 108-60 victory over Myrtleford.
The reigning premier won the four rinks comfortably, with Ashley Bates leading the way.
He defeated Greg Robbins 37-17 after trailing 12-4.
Lead David Swasbrick was outstanding in the victory with 22 touches.
Andrew Batterham accounted for Frank Burge 23-16 and Josh Rudd held off Jack Lillis 26-14.
Wodonga’s Peter McLarty overcame some anxious moments before defeating Atilla Leita 22-16.
Much to the amusement of his teammates, the skip sent down two bowls with the wrong bias.
“You don’t see it happen too often,” Bates said.
“Definitely not twice in a day anyway.”
Bates said Wodonga was tracking nicely after five rounds.
“We finished strongly which gave us a pretty comfortable win in the finish,” Bates said.
“It was tight early but we got on top after tea.”
In the other matches, Yarrawonga thumped bottom-placed Corowa Services 125-70 and Benalla defeated YMGCR 91-58.
Benalla hasn’t lost since round one.
The ladder is: Wodonga 67, Benalla 51, Myrtleford 47, Corowa Civic 40, Wangaratta 36, YMGCR 34, Yarrawonga 22, Corowa Services 4.
This week’s round six draw is: Benalla v Corowa Services, Corowa Civic v Myrtleford, Wodonga v Yarrawonga, YMGCR v Wangaratta.
