Just six points separating the top four sides indicates the closeness of the competition after one full revolution of head-to-head contests in Sunraysia Saturday Pennant bowls.
Mildura sit a game clear in top spot, but under the points system being used are level with Irymple.
Workers are four points behind in third place, two points ahead of Merbein. Ouyen are nine points adrift in fifth and Red Cliffs are last on 15.
This week’s round of matches will go a long way to setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
Mildura tackle Red Cliffs at Tiger Park and will need to be on their mettle. The Tigers scored an early round victory over Irymple.
It will be interesting to see which green the match is allocated to. The Magic held off a determined Tiger side in round one collecting a two-shot win
This week’s match will be a solid test for both sides. The Magic need a win to stay top of the table whilst the Tigers will be hunting for a win to stay in touch with the competition.
Merbein front up to Irymple at the Cauldron after taking the game up to Mildura last week and will be pressing the home side today.
David Maud, Laurie McLaine and Jeff Greenhill will need to have their team firing from the get go.
The individual rink to keep and eye on will be Irymple’s top of the table four; Graeme Lynch, Darren Cass, David Gray and Trevor Flack. At home the Suns will shine.
Workers will tackle Ouyen at Cureton Avenue. The Two Blues will be searching for a win to stay in touch with the four, while a loss would put them potentially three games behind.
The Green and Gold have been experiencing a rich vein of form with a solid win over Irymple last week and will be looking to consolidate the finals aspirations.
Division two ladder leaders Coomealla had their colours lowered by Mildura last week and will be looking to remain a game clear of the competition when they host Workers at the Dome.
The Green and Gold need a win to stay in finals contention but the Cannons will fire and take the points.
Mildura are at home to Nangiloc. The Magic will be looking to continue their winning streak and should take the points in a tough contest.
Ouyen host Workers at Blackburn Park and will need to have everyone firing. The Suns will be on the hunt and should take the points.
In division three, Wentworth tackle Irymple. The Steamers are a game clear of the Suns and will be keen to maintain that margin.
A win could see them jump to the top of the table. Much will depend on the match up between Euston and Underbool. Should the Grass Parrots fly in formation they could upset the Bandits, giving the Steamers a crack at top spot.
Merbein tackle Workers at Kenny Park. A win is a must for the Hawks, currently only two points outside the four. Workers will be pressing for a win to stay in touch with the top echelon.
Mildura track to Red Cliffs in what may be a defining match for both clubs. A win for the Magic would put them a game clear. A win for the Tigers keeps them in hot pursuit of a spot in the four.
Fourth division competition is hotting up as all eight sides are still in contention for finals.
Top-of-the-table Coomealla take on Red Cliffs at the Dome and will start favourites.
Mildura 4 play Irymple at Cureton Avenue. As it is third versus second, both have a lot at stake. Toss a coin.
Mildura 5 host the Bandits; both sides will be chasing a win and a spot in the four. Magic at home will have a trick or two up their sleeve and should win.
Euston 3 are at home to Underbool and will collect the points in a tight tussle.
