BOWLS Sunraysia pennant resumes this weekend with four divisions, each comprising six teams.
The season will extend into 2024 to culminate in finals to be played in March.
A quick analysis of sides and player transfers over the break shows the Irymple Suns looming as the Division 1 flag favourites.
There has been an influx of talent from across the district with Wayne Gardner and Tanner Dickson-Arthur from Mildura, Murray Fazulla and Chris Madigan from Workers and Graeme Lynch from Nhill all having signed with the Suns.
Chairman of selectors Matt West will have a tough job marrying up the combinations against Merbein.
The Merbein Hawks have recruited Glenn Sika from Mildura, who will fill a spot at the front end as a lead or second.
The Hawks’ selectors have an opportunity to bring through some of their younger players and be a competitive unit.
Laurie McLaine must be pressing for a skip’s role.
Also, Tony Cavallaro, Shawn Fullerton, David Gray and Jamie Knudsen, if available, should add strength to the Hawks’ front line.
The Suns at home look to have the firepower to get the season off to a solid start.
Mildura travel to Coomealla to take on the Cannons at the Thunderdome.
The Cannons have some talent developing in their side, most notably Jayden Taylor, who continues to impress selectors at district level.
Coomealla are missing Brian and Brandon Tyers, leaving a dent in their back end.
Mildura have recruited John Huxtable, who will fit into Mark Eckel’s rink at third.
He will be a real acquisition for Eckel’s rink, capable of playing all the shots and assessing the head and directing play.
Isaiah Bettess has been rewarded with a promotion to third for Chris Mitchell.
There are a few minor changes but the team largely remains the same as last year, apart from the loss of Gardner and Dickson-Arthur.
The Magic will finish the stronger and collect the points.
The final Division 1 match sees Workers at home to Ouyen, which has the potential to be the close one for the round.
If Ouyen can get their combinations playing as a balanced unit they have the capability to cause havoc.
Ken Graham and Harry Munro – both former district singles champions – are solid on the draw and can bring strength to the middle order in any rink.
If Steve Simmonds returns to play with Ouyen this year alongside the likes of Alan Crook and Norm Latta, both strong and reliable draw-shot bowlers, the Two Blues will be asking a lot more questions of their opposition than expected.
Workers are without the services of Murray Fazulla, Chris Madigan and Terry Bourke, all solid, reliable up-front players.
Workers will start favourites but don’t be surprised if the Two Blues upset the home side.
In Division 2 Mildura take on Nangiloc at Cureton Avenue.
The home side are the reigning premiers and will be keen to get their season off to a solid start.
However, the Rivermen will be looking to turn the tables.
Magic to win in close contest.
Red Cliffs have chosen to go it alone this year in Division 2.
They host Workers on the magic carpet and should prevail.
Merbein will be at home to Irymple – expect the Suns to shine.
Division 3 match-ups see Irymple host the Euston Bandits.
The Bandits will have all guns blazing and should prove too strong for the home side.
Workers welcome Underbool in a match-up that will see the Underboolians collect the points. Unaccustomed to being in Division 3, the visitors to be keen to make a point.
Ouyen host Mildura in what should be a close contest.
The Two Blues at home on their new sand filled green will start as favourites.
The visitors will need to tune in early against last year’s competitions runners-up.
Division 4 returns to Bowls Sunraysia after a lengthy recess.
It will be interesting to see how quickly sides settle and team combinations gel.
Mildura will be at home to Coomealla and the visitors have a plethora of experienced, battle-hardened campaigners who will present against a younger, less experienced opposition.
Wentworth are similar to Coomealla: a well-credentialed side presenting arms against a much younger and less experienced Euston combination.
The Steamers to win.
Red Cliffs Tigers will host Irymple.
The Suns will be keen to shine early but the Tigers will be prowling.
A solid start will secure the foundation for a comprehensive win.
The home-ground advantage strongly favours the Tigers.
