SATURDAY sees 16 teams across four Bowls Sunraysia pennant divisions turn out to contest the right to be named the best team.
Semi-final time always brings a touch of anxiety or a sense of self-belief and this weekend both will be tested.
In Division 1, Mildura who have been top of the table for almost the entire season, will host Irymple in the qualifying final where the winner will book a grand final spot and a week off.
The loser returns to the coliseum a week later in an attempt to make the main event.
The Suns have taken the game up to Mildura, winning twice at the Cauldron, but have been unable to take the Magic out on their home turf.
At home, the Magic will start modest favourites, but much will depend on the draw.
Mildura have a history of being hard hitters at the pointy end of the contest and will be looking to finish off on a strong note.
The Suns have developed over the last few seasons as a side that is loud and proud.
The elimination final will be a repeat of last week’s round with Red Cliffs travelling down the Calder Highway to do battle with Ouyen.
The Two Blues are a determined lot especially when playing on their home deck at Blackburn Park.
Red Cliffs have gelled into a very solid competitive side at the pointy end of the season, stringing together four wins on the trot to make finals on the last home and away match.
Both sides are up for a contest and it will be a ripper. A tie at the end of 75 ends would not surprise, with an extra end required to sort out the winner.
Second division minor premiers Coomealla host Mildura at the Thunderdome and will be confident of notching up a win over the Magic after putting them to the sword last week.
Mildura is the only side to have beaten the Cannons this season, recording two wins. Both sides will be confident that they can get the job done.
The home side will start slight favourites. The Magic will be looking to go one better and set up a defence of their premiership win last season.
Irymple are matched up against Nangiloc at the Cauldron.
The Suns took the points last week against Nangiloc and will be confident that they can do so again. The Loc have emerged this season with a core group of solid back end players who are no strangers to pressure and will be up and about.
The Suns finished only three points shy of grabbing second spot on the ladder and given their overall strength will start favourites at home.
Division 3 ladder leaders Wentworth play host to Mildura.
The home side has performed solidly all season with Ivan Behsmann finishing on top of the Division 3 players ladder, just ahead of teammate Doug Parker in second place.
With all to play for the Steamers will be paddling flat out against a determined Mildura unit. At home Wentworth to prevail.
Underbool have earned a home final finishing in third spot and will have the luxury of a quiet start to the day and not a 90 minute drive up the highway.
Their opponents will be the Euston Bandits who have put together a solid side. A loss will spell the end of the season for one of these sides and on paper it’s hard to select a winner.
Perhaps the home ground advantage might be just enough to get the Bool over the line.
The Bandits have some solid performers with the likes of Doug Brown and Glenn Scott who would walk into any Division 1 side in Sunraysia providing plenty of fire power.
In fourth division Coomealla will take on Mildura 4 in the qualifying final to be played at the Dome.
The Cannons have been the dominant side all season dropping only one game at the start of the season to Mildura 4.
The game will be on from the start as the two top sides go head to head for a spot in the grand final.
At home the Cannons will start favourites but the Magic are fired up and will be looking to take the game up to their opposition. A bit of Blue Magic perhaps could turn the tables.
Irymple host Mildura 5 at the Cauldon. The Magic prevailed over the Suns in their last match-up and will be confident that they can repeat the performance.
Mildura’s youth policy sees Jayce Dunstan lining up for his first final. A Year 5 student Jayce has worked hard all season on his game.
At home Irymple will grow a leg and take the game up to Mildura. Both teams will be hunting for a win in the knowledge that a loss will be curtains for the season.
All finals matches start at 1pm. Cards will be called at 12.45pm.
