Sport
8 February, 2024
Close finals on the horizon as final round looms
It’s the final round of Saturday pennant tomorrow, with close results providing a reminder of just how close this finals series is set to be. DIVISION ONE Avoca Red and Dunolly Blue played out a thrilling draw at Avoca Country Golf Bowls Club...
It’s the final round of Saturday pennant tomorrow, with close results providing a reminder of just how close this finals series is set to be.
DIVISION ONE
Avoca Red and Dunolly Blue played out a thrilling draw at Avoca Country Golf Bowls Club, with both teams unable to be separated on 59 points apiece.
Dunolly Blue fared slightly better, scoring nine points, while Avoca Red took seven. Barry Mortlock’s 23-16 win over Noel Parratt gave Dunolly Blue the advantage, while Tony Galofaro also took a 24-19 win over Ian Proctor. But Daniel Giddings’ 24-12 win over Peter Waters was important for Avoca Red, who are still a live chance of picking up third place.
Talbot Gold will need a miracle to claim double chance, but did their chances of claiming the premiership no harm by taking a comfortable 67-42 win over Dunolly Gold.
Peter Fletcher took a 19-16 win over Roy Pickering, while Peter McLaughlan scored a 20-14 win over Frank Mifsud. Paul Radstock finished off the job with a 28-12 win over Jim Haigh.
Highland Tartan are in pole position to score the double chance, taking an 80-37 win over Highland White.
Andrew Brumby took a solid 25-13 win over Paul Gothard, while Greg Shay was similarly impressive in taking a 25-12 win over Dennis Prosser. The biggest win was reserved for Garry Coburn, who took a 30-12 win over Lowen Clarke.
While their finals chances are officially over, Maryborough Golf Blue took a 57-52 win over Newstead Blue.
Gerry Carmody’s 19-11 win over Brian Daly, and Anthony Chambers’ 18-17 win over Bill Burnett was enough for Golf Blue, despite David Cobden’s 24-20 win over Kort Gay which saw Newstead Blue claw back some ground.
DIVISION TWO
Just one finals spot is up for grabs — that being fourth position — in division two, with a blockbuster final round coming up.
Highland Red locked in the minor premiership thanks to a 75-43 win over Avoca Gold in a result which saw them claim all 16 points on offer.
Albert Spencer claimed a 21-15 win over Allyson Hearnden, while Tilleke Wadeson took a 27-13 win over Gordon Marr. Alan Muggridge finished off the job with a 27-15 win over Loralee Field.
Avoca Gold are still in the race however, with Maryborough Golf Gold unable to defeat Newstead White, instead settling for a 51-all draw.
Newstead White took two of the three rinks on offer, with Rod Jackson defeating Ross Andrews 18-15, and Mark Leckey beating Trevor Young by the barest of margins, 16-15. But John Scott’s 21-17 win for Golf Gold over Peter Tangey ensured the points would largely be shared.
Talbot Brown firmed for the double chance after defeating Dunolly Green 80-43.
Talbot Brown took all 16 points on offer, with Ray Prentice scoring a 33-10 win over Wayne McLeish, while it was a little closer on the other two rinks, with Steven Murray defeating Ian McKenzie 24-15 and Barb Crossley defeating Wayne Stephens 23-18.
Likewise, Carisbrook are locked in after defeating Maldon 78-41.
The closest Maldon got was on rink two, with Annette Gilham falling one shot short to Malcolm Milne, 17-18. But Carisbrook were dominant on the other two rinks, with Ross Gregory defeating Geoff Cobden 30-12 and Ron Baker taking a 30-12 win over Eric Cook.
ROUND 14
It’s the final round of the season, with a plethora of important matches to decide key finals placings.
Highland Tartan only need to secure two points against Newstead Blue to claim double chance, and will be intent to warm up for finals in the best way possible.
Most intrigue surrounds who will finish third, with Avoca Red travelling to Maryborough Golf and Bowls Club to play Maryborough Golf Blue, while Talbot Gold will make their way to the Highland Society to take on Highland White, who will be keen to finish their first season in division one on a high.
Dunolly Blue will finish off their home-and-away campaign by looking to maintain their unbeaten run in a game against stablemates Dunolly Gold.
In division two, the game of the round sees Talbot Brown and Carisbrook fighting for the double chance.
Talbot Brown will need at least four points, given that they have superior percentage to Carisbrook, to claim the double chance, but Carisbrook will be hoping to spoil the party at Talbot Bowls Club.
The most intrigue surrounds the final spot in the finals, with Maryborough Golf Gold and Avoca Gold separated by just two points.
Golf Gold will travel to Maldon, while Avoca Gold will travel to Dunolly to play Dunolly Green.
If Avoca Gold can claim three more points than Golf Gold, they will play in the finals, whereas Golf Gold, with a significant percentage break, can afford to concede two points.
Top plays bottom at Newstead, with Highland Red looking to warm up for the finals when they play against Newstead White.
