PREMIUM
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Rochy sneaks by Stanhope

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Les Walles skipped Rochester in the defining rink for the host, his side’s 26-18 triumph enough to edge Stanhope by one shot in the overall match. Photos: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

Rochester has broken its drought in the Campaspe Playing Area weekend pennant with a thrilling win over Stanhope on Saturday.

Playing on the familiar greens of Rochester Bowls Club, the host escaped the tie with the points by a single shot, 13-68 to 3-67.

Nothing could separate skips Richard Feuk (Rochester) and Greg Fitzpatrick (Stanhope) as they drew their rink 24-all.

Stanhope’s Ben Fletcher helped his side towards the result with a 25-18 win, but Les Walles’ squad of Francis Keech (lead), Kevin Burrow (second) and Don Gillies (third) were the heroes for Rochy, with its 26-18 victory just enough to secure the overall result.

Kevin Burrow bowled as second in Rochy’s winning rink. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Lower divisions

Stanhope was able to get the better of Rochester in division two, prevailing 14-69 to 2-48.

The majority of the margin came courtesy of Jennifer Crilly, who skipped Stanhope to a 27-15 win in her rink.

Anton Gusak scored the lone rink win for Rochy, 17-15.

Stanhope’s Glen Smith launches at an angle. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In division three, Rochester took down Lockington 14-64 to 2-56. Skip David Murray was narrowly the best performer for Rochy, winning 21-16.

The result between Elmore and Deni RSL wasn’t yet available.

Lockington couldn’t get by Moama in division four. Steamers skip Barry Barbary led his squad to a big 24-8 win in his rink.

In division five, Lockington struggled against Deni RSL, falling 14-51 to 0-22, while Rochester was also unable to take a rink, going down to Stanhope 4-44 to 0-35.

Rochester skip Richard Feuk couldn’t be separated from Stanhope rival Greg Fitzpatrick. Photo by Aidan Briggs

Midweek

Stanhope trails Echuca after a round two bye, but also maintained an undefeated start in division one, 14-54 to 2-47 over Rochester.

Stanhope’s Jennifer Crilly had the biggest win for her side, 22-14, while Jamie Stokes also picked up points.

Rochy’s Rob Dennis managed to prevent the whitewash, taking his rink 19-13.

Jamie Stokes maintains focus in windy conditions. Photo by Aidan Briggs

In division two, Moama scored big against Rochester, dominating each rink in a 16-83 to 0-35 victory.

Skip Kevin Connolly’s rink stood out in a brilliant team performance from Moama, restricting Rochy’s scoring in a 33-9 rink win.

In division three, Elmore took down Lockington 14-57 to 0-33, while in division four, Rich River defeated Lockington 14-39 to 0-26 and Echuca beat Rochester 12-42 to 2-25.