The scoreline didn’t look flattering, but Rochester created a tight contest in round three midweek pennant action.
The division one side travelled to Rich River Bowls club for Campaspe Playing Area action, and while the final tally, 15-61 to 1-48, earned the host the lion’s share of the points, Rochy could have easily came away with two rinks.
The match was closer than the scoreline indicated, with only Bev Trengove able to skip her Rich River squad to a significant win, 22-10.
Rich River’s other win saw Barry Brown come out on top by one shot, 18-17, while the battle between the host’s Brian Trengove and Rochy’s Brian Kinnane ended deadlocked 21-all.
The result sees Rochester fall to 1-2 in the young season, sitting in seventh place.
Round four will see the local side return to its home of Rochester Bowls Club, where it will welcome the ladder leader Moama.
The Steamers are the last undefeated side in the competition after a 14-63 to 2-59 win over Stanhope, while previously unbeaten Kyabram slipped up 2-55 to 14-71 against Mathoura.
Deniliquin remains at the foot of the table after going down 2-56 to 14-74 to Echuca.
Lower divisions
Rochy came agonisingly close to turning the tables against Rich River in division two, but was downed by a single shot.
Margaret Knight and Lyn Moon skipped Rochester to rink wins, but a strong performance from Leon Sharp’s rink saw Rich River prevail 12-59 to 4-58.
Lockington took maximum points against Elmore in division three, with skips Denise Gilmore and Phyl McFarlane scoring narrow victories in the 14-36 to 0-30 win.
Meanwhile, Rochester went down to Ky Valley View, 2-35 to 12-41.
Each side scored a rink, with Rochester’s Heather Wilson skipping the success for her side, but the overall result went the Ky side’s way.
Lockington had even more success in division four, improving its percentage with a strong 14-49 to 0-28 win over Kyabram.
Skips Russell Shawcross and Stephen Peter both marshalled their squads well to take each rink comfortably.