By Chris Mitchell
Standby for a fierce struggle as reigning premiers Irymple – on the rebound after losing last week – take on ladder leaders Mildura in the Sunraysia bowls Saturday pennant match of the day.
To be played at the Cauldron, it will be the Suns’ first home game for the season and it is apt that they face Mildura in a replay of last year’s grand final.
The Suns will be stinging after being taken down by Red Cliffs in round 2.
Murray Fazulla should return to Skip his rink allowing Chris Madigan to drop back to third.
The Magic will only have one change, the inclusion of Isaiah Bettess to Keith Sharman’s rink.
At home, Irymple will start slight favourites over the Magic, but the visitors will be keen to make amends for last year’s result in the decider.
Red Cliffs will welcome Workers to the Tigers Den.
Their move to play Irymple on A Green last week proved a master stroke.
It will be interesting to see whether they employ the same strategy on Saturday.
Workers are yet to salute the judge and will be keen to rectify that situation if they are to stay in contact with the four.
Peter Bishop’s promotion to skip for the Green and Gold has been a master stroke from selectors.
If the cards fall correctly, a match up against Maurie Press could help to level the game.
Michael Clifford has his Tiger rink purring nicely and could be the deciding factor. Tigers to win by 8 shots.
Ouyen, who are yet to record a win, will host the Merbein Hawks.
They have the talent to get the job done but will need to be firing from the get-go.
Merbein will be pumping after their win over Workers last week and will be keen to keep the momentum going.
Laurie McLaine’s rink were the prime movers for the Hawks last week and will need to be up and about tomorrow.
Merbein to win by three shots.
In second division, Mildura at home to ladder leaders Irymple will have their hands full keeping the Suns in the shade.
Phil Newton has his rink shining brightly after two rounds with a 46-shot advantage.
Match-ups will be the key factor in deciding the outcome.
Last year’s premiers, Mildura, will be tested, but with the home-ground advantage will hold on to win.
Ouyen welcome Coomealla to Blackburn Park. The visitors will need to adapt early to the conditions.
Brian Tyers’ rink will be the visitors’ key performers and should lead the way for the Cannons to record a solid win.
Workers at home to Nangiloc will be busy containing the Loc masters.
Nangiloc to win comfortably.
Third Division match-ups see Irymple versus Red Cliffs at the Cauldron.
The Suns’ should rise to the occasion in a tough tussle.
Wentworth will host Mildura. The visitors will have their hands full but should get over the line in a close one.
In the other big game, the Workers welcome the top side, Euston. The Bandits are in good form and will win.
Fourth Division will see Mildura 4 verus Euston 3. This will be a tough hit out for both sides with only a hand full of shots separating the sides at the end of the day. Home side to win.
Irymple 4 host top of the table Underbool. The Bool to win.
Euston 2 at home to Coomealla will be looking to sneak past the Cannons and challenge for top spot. Toss of the coin.
Mildura 5 v Red Cliffs 3. Too tight to call. The home side by a whisker.
