Sport
9 November, 2023
Thrillers tighten up Saturday pennant outlook
The fourth round of the Saturday pennant was a cracker, with plenty of thrillers keeping bowlers on their toes. The standout game of the weekend was the grand final rematch between Dunolly Blue and Highland Tartan, which saw the game go right down...
The fourth round of the Saturday pennant was a cracker, with plenty of thrillers keeping bowlers on their toes.
The standout game of the weekend was the grand final rematch between Dunolly Blue and Highland Tartan, which saw the game go right down to the wire, before Dunolly Blue eventually prevailed 55-50.
Peter Waters took a thrilling 16-15 win against Michael Fryar on rink one, but things were even tighter on rink two, with Gregory Dobbin and Garry Coburn deadlocked on 19 after 21 ends. It was Tony Galofaro’s 20-16 win over Greg Shay, however, which allowed Dunolly Blue to take the points, maintaining their spot on top of the ladder by 11 points.
Highland Tartan have dropped to unfamiliar territory in fourth, having lost their last two games in succession, and have been leapfrogged by Avoca Red, who took all 16 points on offer in their 94-25 win over Dunolly Gold.
Daniel Giddings performed strongly in taking a 34-8 win over Jim Haigh, as did Chris Cocking in securing a 32-6 win over Sandra Chaplin. Noel Parratt’s 28-11 win over Fabio Delconte finished off the job, and allowed Avoca Red to rack up the highest score of the season so far in a result which sees them just four points behind Talbot Gold in the top two.
For their part, Talbot Gold survived a thrilling encounter with Newstead Blue to take the points on Saturday, 58-49.
Paul Radstock performed strongly on rink one, taking a 27-10 win over David Cobden, but it was all Newstead Blue on the second rink, with Bill Burnett continuing his unbeaten run, winning 22-7 over Peter McLoughlin. But Peter Fletcher ensured Talbot Gold would keep up their challenge to Dunolly Blue, winning 24-17 over Brian Daly to keep them in second position on the ladder.
Maryborough Golf Blue closed to within five points of the top four courtesy of a strong 73-53 win over Highland White.
Gerry Carmody took a 22-18 win over Leanne Wallis, and victory was assured on the second rink when Anthony Chambers defeated Dennis Prosser 29-12. While Nathan Reeves took back two competition points by defeating Kevin Prime 23-22, it wasn’t enough to see Highland White claw back the margin.
Division two is looking every bit an exciting competition this season, with five teams separated by just 15 competition points.
The season took on new urgency with Avoca Gold inflicting Carisbrook’s first loss of the season, winning 56-52.
There was something for everyone at the Avoca Country Golf Bowls Club, with three different results on all three rinks. Matthew Higgins and Phillip Burt engaged in a thrilling battle which couldn’t be split, with both teams finishing deadlocked on 19 apiece. Loralee Field made a big move by defeating Syd Pearson 24-13, and while Ron Baker defeating Allyson Hearnden 20-13, it wasn’t enough to claw back the margin.
Another thrilling encounter saw Highland Red hold on to defeat Maryborough Golf Gold 60-58 in a terrific battle.
Highland Red performed strongly on rinks one and two, with Albert Spencer defeating Ern Ollington 20-12 and Tilleke Wadeson defeating John Scott 23-19. Golf Gold clawed back some significant ground on the third rink, with Ross Andrews defeating Lance Wadeson 27-17, but Highland Red held on to close to within five points of the ladder-leading Carisbrook in third.
Talbot Brown sit in second position, having closed to within one point of Carisbrook, courtesy of a 67-43 win over Newstead White.
Barb Crossley took a 20-18 win over Brian Jarvis, and Ray Prentice had the strongest win of the day, scoring a 32-8 win over Graeme Lipback. However, Travis Wilkinson’s 17-15 win over Steven Murray prevented Talbot Brown from taking over on top of the ladder.
Dunolly Green took an important win to keep themselves in the hunt to be in the top four, scoring a 78-51 win at Maldon.
The win was set up through Keith Elliott’s 36-10 win over Jim Brookshaw, with further support provided from Wayne Stephens’ 19-17 win over Peter Sedgwick. Maldon gained two competition points through Philip Best’s 24-23 win over Aaron Britten.
A fascinating fifth round awaits tomorrow afternoon.
Highlighting division one will be the clash between third-placed Avoca Red and second-placed Talbot Gold at the Avoca Country Golf Bowls Club. Avoca Red will be desperate to prove their worth as a credible top-two threat, while Talbot Gold will be keen to keep in touch with Dunolly Blue.
An interesting encounter sees Highland Tartan meet Maryborough Golf Blue at the Highlands Society. The winner could jump up as high as third, while the loser could fall as far as seventh. Highland Tartan, for their part, will be desperate to avoid a third defeat in succession, having lost to Talbot Gold and Dunolly Blue.
Dunolly Blue will look to maintain their footing on top of the ladder when they host Newstead Blue, while bottom two teams Highland White and Dunolly Gold meet.
In division two, the top four will meet the bottom four.
Highland Red will travel to Dunolly to take on fifth-placed Dunolly Green, while Avoca Gold will be looking to continue their good form when they travel to Maryborough Golf Gold.
Ladder-leader Carisbrook will be heavily favoured to defeat last-placed Newstead White, while second-placed Talbot Brown, hot on their heels, host Maldon.