By Chris Mitchell
SATURDAY will see the completion of the first full round of home and away matches in Bowls Sunraysia Pennant, and there is the distinct possibility that the make-up of the four will be settled.
Ladder leaders Ouyen host Coomealla at Blackburn Park. The Two Blues remain the only undefeated team in the competition and will be keen to keep their grip on top spot.
Coomealla in third spot have every thing to play for, a loss could see them fall outside the four.
Janet Vallance’s rink head the table as the best performed rink in the competition to date and will lead the way for the home side.
Irymple host Workers at the Cauldron and will be stinging after their demise at Blackburn Park last week.
The return of Tanner Dickson-Arthur will bolster the Suns and a win will keep them in second spot.
Mildura travel to Kenny Park and face off against the Merbein Hawks.
The Magic returned to the winner’s circle last week and look primed to take the points and search for a spot in the four.
In second division, competition for positions in the four is fierce, with three teams separated by only eight points.
Top side Nangiloc take on fourth side Irymple at home and will start clear favourites.
Toby Moore’s rink of Shane Moore, Barbara Goldup and Wade Duncan lead the competition as the only undefeated rink this season and will be looking to add to their good start. Irymple will be keen to collect the points to stay in touch with the competition.
Second-placed Mildura host Red Cliffs, second v third. A win for either side will set them in the top two spots and a game clear.
Defending premiers, the Magic, will start favourites. This game will be a clear test for the Tigers following their decision to go it alone this year after finishing runner-up in Division One last season when paired with the Euston Bandits.
Workers host Merbein and both sides will be keen to collect the points as a win will keep them in touch with the four. Workers look the team to beat at Cureton Avenue.
In third division, top side Irymple host Workers and need to collect a win to keep a hold on top spot. Workers have a chance to climb higher and even grab top spot.
The Suns at home should start even money favourites.
Underbool host Ouyen in the southern derby, a danger game for both teams.
Underbool will be looking for a win to stay in touch with the four. The Two Blues have a chance to grab top spot if other games go their way. Ouyen to win.
Euston host Mildura. Both sides will be looking for the points to stay in reach of the four. The Bandits will start in the red at home.
Fourth division matches will sort out the pecking order in the top four. Top side Wentworth take on Mildura at Cureton Avenue. This will be a tough gig. The Steamers should prevail.
Second placed Irymple front up against Coomealla at the Fortress. At home, the Cannons might just have enough shot in the gun to get the job done.
The Bandits host the Tigers. A win is imperative for both sides to stay in touch with the four. The Tigers might just have enough in the tank to collect the points.
