By Chris Mitchell
MILDURA Magic is now a game clear on top of the Bowls Sunraysia Pennant ladder, following a thrilling come-from-behind win over Irymple.
Down 13 shots at afternoon tea, the Magic’s Mark Eckel mustered his rink of Judy Osborne, Russell Kneebone and Ken Yeowart to make a move on the Suns’ Tanner Dickson-Arthur.
Trailing early, the Mildura quartet worked solidly throughout the second stanza to build a match-winning 23-14 result, Eckel producing many sublime conversions.
Next door, the Suns’ leading skip Tom Hogan, with Murray Fazulla, Matt West and Chris Madigan, served it up to Chris Mitchell’s rink.
All four players contributed with well-positioned bowls and Hogan added the finishing touches with some solid conversions. Hogan winning 30-11 and balancing the overall scoreline.
Mildura’s Keith Sharman stood tall for the Magic after his rink dropped six shots on end 10 to trail Graeme Lynch by three at brew.
Ably assisted by some solid lead bowls from Chris Richards, Vic Dolenic at second and Rob Hanns playing third, Sharman progressed his rink to a 27-20 win to give the Magic a 69(10) – 64(2) win.
Workers kept their finals aspirations alive with a solid 31-shot victory over Coomealla.
The Cannons’ Rod Taylor fired with a two-shot win over Roger Bray; 27-25. Ken Job had his rink well and truly on the job collecting a 28-10 win over Brandon Tyers. Ian Pollock, Nev Mitchell, Peter Bishop and Fred Bacon had a good win over Mark Deakin 29-14 to give the home side an 82(10) – 51(2) victory.
Merbein mustered up another win defeating Ouyen 69(8) -61(4), but again the Hawks had to rely on one rink to get them over the line.
Janet Vallance proved too good for Shawn Fullerton with a 23-20 win for the Two Blues.
Stephen Simmonds’ rink fired after last week’s loss and collected a 24-15 win over Jack Anderson.
But it was Laurie McLaine’s rink of Graham Newey, Allan Johnston and Mark Butcher swooping on Sue Kelly’s quartet to record a resounding 34-14 win to get the Hawks home.
Division 2 matches went to schedule with the top three teams defeating the bottom three teams.
The final four is set with Irymple two full games (24 points) clear of fifth-placed Workers.
The Suns welcomed the Magic to the Cauldron and after a rousing performance from Phil Newton’s rink fell agonisingly short going down 66(2) – 71(10). Garry Holmes 28-14 over Ian Kellett proving the difference.
Red Cliffs stayed in touch with the top end of town, collecting a 44-shot win over Merbein. Tigers Fred Giugno leading the way with a 33-12 win over Scott Pollock. Red Cliffs 90 (12) d Merbein 46 (0).
Nangiloc had a tough examination against Workers at Union HQ.
Jamie Forte’s rink of Darren Kerslake, Barbara Goldup and Robert Groves getting up 27-19 over Di Smith to secure the points. Nangiloc winning 73(10) – Workers 66(2).
The race for fourth spot in Division 3 has warmed up with Mildura defeating top side Irymple and now sitting inside the four, equal on points with Workers.
Mildura produced the goods with an all points 48-shot win over the ladder leaders who are still 15 points clear of Ouyen. Mildura 98(12) – Irymple 40(0).
Ouyen defeated Workers 77(11) – 58(1). Two Blues Don Pohlner collecting the chocolates with a 33-17 win over Dave Robertson.
Euston Bandits caused the upset of the round with a convincing home win 73(10) – Underbool 67(2). Shane Ryan’s rink the match winners with a 32-14 win over Rob Gloster.
Fourth Division matches went pretty much as expected with Mildura collecting 12 points against Irymple. 86(12) – 51(0).
Wentworth at home were too good for Red Cliffs 83(12) – 51(0). Ladder leaders Coomealla maintained a tight grip on top spot with a 79(11) – 53(1) win over Euston.
Ladders
Division One ladder: Mildura 110, Irymple 100, Ouyen 85, Workers 74, Merbein 59, Coomealla 40.
Division Two Ladder: Nangiloc 95, Mildura 95, Red Cliffs 88, Irymple 85, Workers 61, Merbein 44.
Division Three Ladder: Irymple 111, Ouyen 96, Underbool 93, Mildura 67, Workers 67, Euston 34.
Division Four Ladder: Coomealla 112, Wentworth 106, Euston 79, Red Cliffs 69, Mildura 56, Irymple 46.
