Deer Park reigned supreme in a battle of the leaders in Victorian pennant bowls on Saturday.
The first-placed Parkers knocked off second- placed Melton by 24 shots in a possible finals preview.
Despite being away from home, Deer Park won all four rinks and claimed 17 of a possible 18 points to secure its win.
Melton Bowls Club secretary John Adams highlighted the victorious Parkers’ depth as a key difference between the sides.
“We got a bit of a reality check,” Adams said.
“We were only four shots down at afternoon tea, but they’re a very good side, as we knew they would be.
“They played more consistently and their skippers were able to come up big at crucial times.
“We know exactly where we stand now.”
The weekend’s win continues what has been a hot run of form for Deer Park, which is now one of the division’s premiership favourites. The Parkers were 2-2 after four rounds and looked to be in for a battle to make the finals.
But seven wins in a row has rocketed Deer Park to outright top spot, now 13 points clear of their nearest rival.
For Melton, Saturday’s result is a reminder of just how close the division 1 competition is at the top end of the ladder.
Melton slipped from second to fifth, going from being a likely finalist to the outside looking in at the halfway point of the season.
And the draw isn’t about to get any easier for Melton.
“We have the second side [Glenroy] away next week, and we play the third side [Moonee Valley] after that, so we know that will be tough,” Adams said.
“We need to win at least one of those matches.
“We’ll always keep persevering and we are looking forward to it. We’re learning all the time; we’re getting better all the time. We just need to band together, to support one another.”
Deer Park will take on third-placed Moonee Valley this week.
Elsewhere in round nine, Altona defeated Werribee, Moonee Valley got the better of Altona Sports, and Preston defeated Essendon.
