By Chris Mitchell
ROUND 2 of Bowls Sunraysia weekend pennant presents some scintillating encounters, headlined by ladder leaders Irymple hosting the Coomealla Cannons at the Cauldron.
Both sides are undefeated and will be looking to secure the early number one position.
The Suns won on all rinks against Merbein last week in a close affair and will be looking to maintain top billing.
The Cannons, with the return of Brandon and Brian Tiers, will be in four-wheel drive mode. They will be relying on good starts from their front end bowlers Jayden Taylor and David Gust to deliver.
The Suns at home will finish the stronger.
Ouyen host Mildura at Blackburn Park and after their victory over Workers last week, would be cock-a-hoop to make it two in a row.
Janet Vallence, at Skip for the Two Blues, brings a steadying dimension to the team, especially with Norm Latta at third.
The Magic rarely put two losses together and will be keen to get their season on a roll. Both Mark Eckel and Chris Mitchell will be keen to salute after losses last week. Ouyen at home.
Merbein and Workers will be working hard to claim the points after disappointing results last week.
The Hawks’ Graham Newey and David Maud both lost by single digits and will seek redemption.
Workers have the capacity to take the game away from Merbein but don’t be surprised if the Hawks collect the points.
In Division 2, Workers host Irymple and the home greens will be running a treat. This might just create an edge for the home side.
Nangiloc host Red Cliffs in the local derby. Nangiloc at home grow an extra leg and will be too strong for the Tigers.
Mildura host Merbein at Cureton Avenue and will continue on where they left off last week with a win.
In Division 3, Underbool will welcome Mildura to their new green and will start favourites.
The Mildura unit will be well traversed after their visit to Ouyen last week and should be well adapted to the surface. The locals are always tough to beat at home and this week will be no different.
Euston host Workers at the OK Carousel. After a tough trot last week, the Bandits will certainly need their guns un-holstered from the get-go. No blanks this week.
Workers went down to Underbool last week but should collect the chokkies today.
Top side Irymple will be up against Ouyen at the Cauldron. It’s tough to tip against the Suns after their good win last week.
In Division 4, Euston will need to corral Irymple early with some clever banditry. Home ground advantage will be a help but the Suns will shine.
The south western NSW derby between The Cannons and Steamers should be a ripper. Coomealla at home should be just a bit too strong for Wentworth.
Mildura host the Tigers and after a scare last week will be looking to make it two in a row. The home ground advantage should get them through.
