It has taken just five rounds for the big four clubs to move themselves to the top of the table and although it’s only early, it is just one example of why some clubs are talking of a premier shake-up.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The last time a team other than North, East, Longford or Trevallyn made the finals was 2014, and it’s been at least 12 years since a club other than the big four has won a premier pennant.
North Launceston travelled to Bridport and provided more evidence of why they are the team to beat in recent years.
The club won on all rinks on what has proven to be a difficult surface for some travelling clubs.
North’s 12 points puts them on top of the table, sharing the spot with Longford, both clubs only losing three rinks so far this season.
Longford was able to open up a gap in the ladder, far too good for Invermay and looking in ominous form at this early stage of the season.
Mark Strochnetter, the biggest winner of the day, finished with a 25-shot margin against opposing skip Shane Boden.
Joey Thomas converted when necessary to finish up by 12 but it was Craig Prewer who was the standout of the day in the leads spot.
Daniel Baker got the better of Gene Ayton to win by 10, Chris Roach a strong support for the afternoon helping to secure all points for The Tigers.
The Trevallyn Thunder scored full points against Westbury and with results going their way, sits in fourth.
Josh Appleyard has hit form, playing exceptionally well in a 41-15 win that included an eight scored.
East Launceston travelled to Cosgrove and was only able to return home with 10 points, Robert McMullen going down by two shots to Byron Slater.
McMullen revealed he will be splitting his time between Melbourne and East Launceston.
The Trevallyn Thunder scored full points against Westbury ...
“The competition is not at a standard that allows me to keep my game mentally and physically at its best,” he said.
“Although unable to secure my rink, I am constantly looking at ways to compete at a higher level which is why this season I will return to Essendon Bowls Club to play at least seven games of pennant.
“I have hand-picked the games I am missing so that I can have the best of both worlds, playing all the major games for East in the Bowls North Pennant, whilst also still getting competitive matches in Melbourne when the games at home are likely to be of a lower standard.”
William Springer and Damien Lewis have once again formed a formidable combination although slow to start, ending the day with a comfortable 15-shot margin against Scott Stagg.
