KOROIT Blue is only weeks away from writing a remarkable chapter in the Western District Bowls Division (WDBD) history books.
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The competition minnow rose to second on the Saturday pennant division one ladder after upstaging City Memorial Red 93-77 at Cramer Street.
The result has reinforced hopes it can secure a grand final berth — a feat which would end a decade of dominance by Warrnambool’s two biggest clubs.
Nineteen of the past 21 WDBD grand finals have featured dominant forces City Memorial Red and Warrnambool Gold. But change is in the wings.
“We’re looking forward to finals. There’s no doubt about that,” Koroit Blue skipper Barry Padgham said. “We just missed out last year. That was our own fault, we lost our second-last game. But we’re in there this year with a bit more of a chance.”
Padgham was pleased Koroit Blue could unseat City Memorial Red for the first time this season, having lost by seven shots back in November.
Shane Cashill enjoyed the biggest rink win, 32-13 against Kevin McMahon, while Jack Murnane beat Kevin O’Keeffe 24-14.
Their margins ensured Brendan Keane and Padgham could lose their contests without jeopardising the overall triumph.
“I think it’s just a bit of team spirit going in (that is behind our success).Everyone is gelling well together,” Padgham said.
“Any changes we’ve made, we’ve kept them to an absolute minimum.
“We’ve tried to be consistent and give guys an opportunity. Having recruited Jack Murnane and Les Johnson certainly helps the depth in the side.”
The last grand final not to feature both competition powerhouses was in 2005, when Dennington Red lost to Warrnambool Gold. The last time neither won the flag was back in 1993. That year, Dennington Red defeated City Memorial Red.
In other WDBD results, Port Fairy boosted its hopes of snatching a finals berth with a 114-75 win against Warrnambool White at Timor Street.
The other contender for fourth spot, City Memorial Gold, suffered a 113-71 loss to Warrnambool Blue also at Timor Street.
The thriller was at Pertobe Road, where visiting Mortlake Blue defeated Lawn Tennis Red 94-90.
Dennington secured some late-season cheer with a 111-97 win against Timboon Gold at Timboon while Warrnambool Gold maintained top spot with a 120-83 victory over Terang Green at Terang.
afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au
