Geraldton Blue drop points with Batavia Bowling League men’s pennants draw v Denison, Geraldton Red widen gap

The top two stayed unchanged in Batavia Bowling League’s top men’s competition on Saturday but the second-placed side dropped valuable points in an ultra-tight jostle for finals positions.

Geraldton Blue couldn’t break down tough resistance from Denison Blue, with an aggregate draw allowing the gap to league leaders Geraldton Red to widen.

For their part, Red displayed the solid form they have shown throughout the men’s pennants season to strengthen their hold on top spot with a win against Geraldton Gold.

Geraldton Blue drew 66-66 on aggregate against Denison Blue in a nailbiting home fixture.

The match was in the balance until Ian Payne played the final bowl.

The hosts won two of the three rinks, with Mike Ford, Jeff Eaton, John Burnett and Mal McKenzie the best on the parks with a 21-14 result over Ian West 14.

Kim Trotter, Brad Criddle, Neil McIlwaine and Neil Bond survived a spirited fightback from Ian Payne’s quartet to win 25-21.

The match was a cliffhanger for the entire 63 ends.

Denison’s Peter Leeson, Barry Sweetman, Andy Duane and Alan French ensured a tight finish, beating Peter Reudavey 31-20.

The home side ended with 3.5 match points and the visitors with 2.5 points.

Geraldton Red beat sister side Gold 5-1 (72-57).

The encounter was in the balance until the halfway stage, before the Reds gained the upper hand on two of the rinks to put the aggregate in their favour.

The Reds’ Brad King, Wes Jones, Kevin Watson and Warwick Glenister were on song against Shane Guidice-Nairn, winning 30-15.

The association’s leading foursome of Jon Trotter, Brian Wright, Trevor Smythe and Petter Batten defeated Kevin Robartson 28-14 to record their eleventh win in 14 matches.

The Golds’ point came from the in-form Michael Walton and his team of Graham McLeary, Neil Exten and Terry Williamson, who finished strongly to take a 28-14 result over Joe Cukela.

Northampton produced their best result of the season so far, claiming all points on home turf and a 36-shot aggregate against premiership hopefuls Wonthella Green.

Wonthella Maroon sit just two points shy of the four following a close but decisive 5-1 (59-55) away victory against Mullewa.

While it does not end Mullewa’s finals chances, the result makes the remaining four games crucial.

The final encounter resulted in a 6-0 home victory to Denison White against Wonthella Green.

Round 15 offers several top matches this Saturday.

Geraldton Red and Blue meet, with the winner set to claim top billing.

Fifth-placed Wonthella Maroon play clubmates Gold, in fourth, with a position in the top four the reward.

Third-placed Wonthella Gold will be hoping to return to form when they host Geraldton Gold.