By Chris Mitchell
MERBEIN and Irymple meet head-on at the Cauldron in the Bowls Sunraysia Pennant match of the day.
Both sides have shown improvement throughout the season, Merbein by promoting their younger players to take on leadership roles and Irymple through recruiting key position players.
The Suns at home will start favourites, bolstered by Tom Hogan’s return.
They will be keen to reclaim bragging rights after their round 6, 24-shot loss to the Hawks, but how the rinks match up will play a significant part in the result.
Merbein Skips Laurie McLaine and Jack Anderson have been able to produce some big results in their first year in the position.
If the Hawks make a solid start, they will be hard to contain.
Workers sit a game clear in fourth spot and will be looking to recalibrate against Ouyen, who will be without Alan Crook through a knee injury.
Sue Kelly stepped into Crook’s shoes last week and got the job done for the Two Blues.
This is a make-or-break game for both sides as Ouyen will be gunning for the points to stay on top, while Workers need a win to stay in touch with the competition.
Workers at home by two shots.
Second division side Mildura face Nangiloc at Cureton Ave. Both sides need to record a win.
The “Loc-smiths” have fallen a game behind Irymple and sit second on the ladder. Mildura are fourth and also need a win to shore up a potential shot at the finals. The “Loc-smiths” hold the key.
Red Cliffs meet Workers at home. The Tigers to take the points and keep and a firm grasp on third spot going into Christmas.
Merbein welcome Irymple to Kenny Park. It has been tough going for the Hawks this season and in their two match-ups against Irymple, have held their own. At home, they will create a solid contest for Irymple, however the Suns will shine.
In Division 3, ladder leaders Irymple will do battle with Euston at the Cauldron. The Bandits took the points in round 6 but I fancy the Suns will be looking for a brighter outcome.
Workers host Underbool and need to pull out all stops as they sit one point out of the four. The visitors have lost their last two games and will be keen to record a win. Underbool by eight shots.
Ouyen will meet Mildura at Blackburn Park. Both sides desperately need to collect a win, Ouyen to hold onto second spot and Mildura to maintain fourth spot. Two Blues at home.
Bottom side Mildura hosts the Coomealla Cannons at Cureton Avenue in Division 4. The Cannons will be taking a shot at reclaiming top spot going into the break.
The Magic have a chance to edge closer to a spot in the four. Cannons with a bang.
Wentworth will steam into their game against the Bandits looking to keep the lid on top spot. The Bandits will face a solid test and get some idea as to where they sit in the competition. Steamers at home by a long whistle.
Red Cliffs at home play Irymple in what is an important game for both sides. A Tigers win will see them gain some breathing space.
However, if the Suns get up then the run home for a finals spot will see an exciting finish. Tigers to purr.
