East Maitland and Maitland City have got off to a flying start in the Big Bowls Challenge sitting one-two after three rounds.
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The Griffins top the table with 35 points, with two big wins and a narrow loss to the Kurri Kurri Cannons, just ahead of Maitland City Hunters on 32.
East Maitland had their first loss of the season on Tuesday night, courtesy of a final end win by Cannons skipper Nathan Dawson.
But bounced back on Thursday with a bonus point 16-0 win on the road against Soldiers Point.
“Nathan managed to get up with the a one-shot on the last end, otherwise it would have been a 9-6 win for us,” Griffins skipper Clay Parker said.
“To back up after that and get the bonus point win against Soldiers Point, who were leading our group was a terrific effort by everyone.”
The Griffins opened their season with a 14-1 win at home against Wallsend.
“I was the one responsible for dropping the game which cost us the bonus point,” Parker said.
The Hunters went to the top of their group with a 16-0 win against Alder Park.
Maitland started the season with a 7.5-all draw against the strong Kahiba Cobras and then had an 8.5-6.5 win against Edgeworth Eagles.
Hunters skipper DJ Dilworth said the results set them up for a tough stretch when they have away games against Raymond Terrace, East Cessnock and Kahibah.
“We are really pleased with where we are as it is a tough section of the competition for us. On the flip-side we get a good run home,” Dilworth said.
“The most pleasing thing for us is the depth we have developed.
“We have come away with good results despite not fielding the same team in any of the games.
“We haven’t had the same pairs back-to-back and there has been a different line up in the triples each week.
“Everyone who has come in has fitted in very well. We probably have another three or four players who are capable of coming into the team as well.
“It’s the best depth we have had at the club, the feeling among everyone is very good.”
Kurri Kurri Comets and East Cessnock Comets both sit third in their respective groups, both in striking distance of the top two.
The Comets have two wins defeating Alder Park and Edgeworth and a loss to Raymond Terrace.
The Cannons drew with Nelson Bay on Friday and have wins against East Maitland and Lambton.
Beresfield top their group with two wins and a draw. Raymond Terrace has three wins but has dropped sets.