Unheralded pair Port Fairy Red and Koroit Blue came within one shot of snatching unlikely victories against better-credentialed opponents.

Instead, both had to settle for draws as the WDBD season took another twist.

One shot on the final end was enough for Port Fairy Red to salvage a two rinks each, 85-85 draw against City Memorial Red at Port Fairy.

Peter Grenfell defeated David Wells 20-12 and Jim Murray beat David Clements 27-20 for Port Fairy’s wins.

But Chris Fox lost his contest against Vince Moloney 27-16 while Steve Gibb fell to Kevin O’Keefe 26-22.

Murray said the match was a see-sawing affair which came down to the final end, between Fox and Moloney.

“We were down about four or five, then we got six in front and Steve Gibb dropped a three on the last end, which put us one down,” he said.

“Then Chris Fox was the mainstay, he drew a shot. It was a measure between us getting a draw and winning.”

The measure went against Fox, forcing the tie. But Murray said the Port Fairy bowlers were rapt to share the points with City Red.

“My word it was a very good result for us. They’re a powerful side, all those Warrnambool sides are, they’ve got the numbers to pick from,” he said.

“We’re a small club. We battle but we get there. There’s a bit more dedication this year than what there has been.”

Across at Koroit, the hosts had to hold firm in the face of a late Warrnambool Gold fightback to emerge with the two rinks each, 92-92 draw.

Shane Cashill defeated Paul O’Donnell 26-20 and Brendan Keane held off Peter Pangrazio 30-15 to post Koroit Blue’s rink wins.

But Jack Murnane lost to Brian Lenehan 24-20 and Barry Padgham lost to Barry Crimmin 33-16.

Cashill said the match was a case of missed opportunity for Koroit Blue, which held a handy lead late in the afternoon.

“We were up by a few, quite a few at one stage, maybe 10 or 15 with 20 ends to play,” he said.

“We were still six up with three to play and we dropped a three on one end, two on another and one on the other.

“That’s a pretty good result for us. They’ve won the last two pennants. Obviously it’s the first time we’ve drawn with them, we haven’t beaten them yet.

“And we had a couple of players unavailable yesterday due to weddings and other things. They’ll help us further on down the track.”

In other WDBD matches, Terang Green won three rinks en route a 96-79 defeat of Mortlake Blue at Terang.

City Memorial Gold completed a clean sweep in its 115-73 win against Lawn Tennis at City Memorial.

And Warrnambool Blue rose into sixth spot with a 105-86 win against Timboon Gold at Warrnambool, claiming three rinks in the process.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au