By Chris Mitchell
IRYMPLE Suns will tackle the Mildura Magic at Cureton Avenue for top spot and premiership favouritism in Round 13 Bowls Sunraysia pennant.
When you cast an eye across the player ladder, it reveals a sprinkling of players from both sides ranked in the top 20, with Mildura having nine and Irymple four.
It’s hard to use those sorts of statistics to predict a winner but Mildura’s chances of taking the points resonate around team compatibility and consistency.
Irymple has been working on developing its side and made several changes with key moves in recent rounds. They will need to settle early and be charged to play.
With top spot on offer, one has to favour the home side to win in a real zinger.
Workers will welcome the Coomealla Cannons to Union HQ.
The Cannons took the game up to Irymple last week but fell short, while Workers could not match Merbein, allowing them to get within sniffing distance of a finals berth.
Today, the Cannons will be looking to define their season, and a win could help open the door for Merbein.
Workers will be in no mood to surrender this match and can shore up a finals berth with a win. This match will go right to the wire and a Cannons victory would not surprise.
Merbein will be looking to collect the points after a narrow victory last weekend and will be punting big on a win over Ouyen at Kenny Park.
Jack Anderson had his rink in full flight and set up the Hawks victory last weekend, and he will be looking for fellow skips McLaine and Fullerton to push and help set up a positive scoreline.
The Two Blues skips Steve Simmonds and Sue Kelly would be disappointed with their rinks’ efforts last week and will be in full flight to get up and about this week.
The Hawks are pushing for a final-four spot and will win.
In Division 2, Irymple take on Mildura at the Cauldron where the winner will cement a spot in the top two and also put in place a double chance come finals time.
Irymple have been a solid unit but have been inconsistent performers, struggling to win away but performing well at home. They will be looking for a win at home. Suns to shine.
Red Cliffs will be looking for a win over Merbein at the Tigers den. They are currently two games clear in the four and a win will guarantee a finals spot.
Merbein sit on the bottom of the ladder but have the capacity to cause an upset. A win for the Hawks will raise spirits. Tigers at home to prevail.
The danger game is for Nangiloc, who visit Workers at Cureton Avenue.
The home side are head and shoulders way more competitive at home and will provide an interesting exam paper for the Loc.
If the visitors can collect a solid win over the Workers, they will signal that they are ready for finals.
Mildura host top side Irymple at Wizard HQ in Division 3.
The Magic will need to have all their tricks well-rehearsed as the Suns will be looking to clean up and cruise into the finals.
Workers are at home to Ouyen. The visiting side will win but not without a real fight from Workers.
The hosts sit 11 points clear of fifth and with only two games remaining after today, will be keen to bank as many points as possible.
Euston will ply their trade against Underbool at the Carousel. The Boolers will bool their way to a win.
Division 4 side Irymple host Mildura. With only two points separating the sides the match will be a take-no-prisoners event. The loser inheriting bottom rung on the ladder. Neither side can make finals but will be in no mood to surrender early.
Wentworth host Red Cliffs. The Tigers can jump a spot but can’t fall out of the four. Wentworth with a win stay in touch of top side Coomealla and press for top spot. Steamers to paddle home quietly.
Coomealla will host Euston in what has the potential to be a grand final prelude. At home, the Cannons will fire and take the points.
