George Draffen’s rink fought out a draw to help Mortlake clinch a 91-88 triumph away at Port Fairy Red on Saturday.

Mortlake is now wedged comfortably in fourth place, ahead of reigning premier Warrnambool Gold after a near-faultless start.

Draffen, a champion indoor bowler, said the triumph was vital in the club’s overall season picture.

“We’ve always struggled against Port Fairy over there. We could always get a few rinks but they’d end up rolling us,” he said.

“We knew it would be a tough game because it always is, and it was a great one for us to get.

“We knew we had to tough it out and we really did that.”

Colin Goldsworthy’s rink was a standout, defeating David Roberts’ by seven shots.

Elsewhere, Draffen’s drew with Chris Fox’s rink, while Peter Summerhayes’ fell to Gregory Creek’s by three shots.

Mortlake’s Darren Grant was also close to defeating Steven Gibb’s rink, falling by just one shot.

Draffen praised Mortlake’s selectors and felt the club had more depth to call upon.

“We’re a bit more confident now we have more depth across the board,” he said.

“I think it’s fair to say in prior seasons, we’ve had a couple of rinks who could go out and win and a couple that might struggle from time-to-time.

“We seem to be a bit more even and capable of having a good win. I think the selectors have done a good job.”

Elsewhere, Koroit Blue staked its claim as a premiership threat with an eye-raising eight-shot victory over Warrnambool Gold.

Koroit second Brendan Holscher described Warrnambool Gold as “the measuring stick” and was thrilled to score the points.

“We’re determined to be very competitive again this season. It’s not different to the football, you need to get your early wins and points on the board to keep going,” he said.

City Gold defeated Terang Green by six shots to remain atop the ladder.

Timboon Gold posted a 111-75 rout of Lawn Tennis Red, while Dennington Red (90) fell to City Red (92).