Red condemned little brother side City Memorial Gold to a thrilling five-shot defeat on Saturday.

Veteran Red bowler Kevin McMahon said the intra-club rivalry had escalated in recent seasons, with Gold working to bridge the gap.

“It was a keenly sought after win,” McMahon quipped.

“They’d been really looking forward to trying to beat us. Typically, we’ve been the top side, but there’s not at all much between us this season.

“It was a terrific game. It was very close throughout.”

McMahon, a second in Wayne Hall’s rink, said experience was crucial in Red’s victory.

“They probably just had a couple of inexperienced bowlers toil away towards the end,” he said.

“Five shots can be one bowl. That’s pretty close after five hours of bowls.

“I think we might have been lucky in a lot of ways.”

The experienced campaigner predicted tough choices for selectors after the Christmas break.

“We’re just so close at the moment and I think selectors will have some hard decisions for places – because you want to win something and I think you need a good side, and a second side for that,” McMahon said.

Elsewhere, Terang Green salvaged a much-needed four-shot triumph from Timboon Gold. 

Terang skipper Barry Stonehouse, who will miss the rest of the season with a hip replacement, said the club was positioned well after the win.

“It was pretty windy out on the carpet. They hit the front, and then we hit the front – it was tight absolutely all day,” he said.

“We’ve had two rinks playing really well. In my rink, for example, there’s no pressure at all – everyone is on the same page and it just works out.”

Meanwhile, Warrnambool Gold (137) thrashed Mortlake Blue (73). Warnambool Blue was also successful, beating Lawn Tennis Red by 55 shots.

Koroit Blue also beat Dennington Red by 50 shots at home.