By Chris Mitchell
MERBEIN need to take the points against Coomealla on Saturday afternoon if they are to remain in the hunt for a place in the Bowls Sunraysia Pennant final four.
The match of the day will be played on Coomealla’s world class carpet where the home side will start as slight favourites.
The Hawks have taken down both Workers and Ouyen in recent weeks and will be keen to make it three on the trot.
All three Hawks skips have the capacity to win big, in particular Laurie McLaine and Jack Anderson.
The Cannons won’t be in the mood to take prisoners. They started the season with a bang but have struggled to maintain that form. Both Brandon Tyers and Rod Taylor can produce the big bowls and will need to do so early if the Cannons are to fire.
Irymple travel to Blackburn Park to take on Ouyen. This is a real danger game for both sides as they will be pumping for the points. The Two Blues to keep a grip on third spot and to turn around a run of losses and for the Suns to challenge for top spot.
At home Ouyen would normally start favourites against the Suns. Janet Vallance and Steve Simmonds rinks were up and about last week but could not cover Sue Kelly’s demise. One for the selectors to ponder. If all three home rinks can fire the Suns will have to dig deep.
Workers host ladder leaders Mildura.
Mark Eckel and Keith Sharman have both produced some big bowls in recent weeks for the Magic, with Sharman currently ranked the number one player in the competition.
These two sides have a very healthy respect for each other having faced off in many finals series. Today’s match will be no different. The Magic will start favourites but the home side will be on the hunt for a big finish coming into the finals. Roger Bray plays aggressively whilst Butch Pollock relies upon the more conventional approach. Both will need to be up and about to give the home side a sniff.
Second division ladder leaders Nangiloc head to Kenny Park to do battle with the Merbein Hawks.
It’s hard to go past the Loc who will be keen to record a win and bank the points in their bid to stay top of the table.
Workers host second side Mildura. The visitors will be keen to impress. A win is imperative to keep a grip on the double chance heading into the finals.
Red Cliffs face off against Irymple at the Cauldron. Neither side can be displaced from the four but a win could see them elevated to be within striking distance of second spot on the ladder. Come finals time a double chance is always welcomed.
Today’s matches in Third Division are, for some clubs, finals time. Mildura sit fourth on percentage from Workers and today they do battle. The spoils for the victors will be a spot in the four, one game clear with a round to play.
Underbool welcome Irymple to the “Bool”.
They have nothing to lose and everything to gain if they can pull off a win over the top side. The double chance beckons. The Suns will be looking to shine after their poor performance last week at the hands of the Magic. A home side victory would not surprise.
Ouyen will be keen to put to bed second spot on the ladder as they host Euston at Blackburn Park. Two Blues to win.
Fourth Division side Red Cliffs will be keen to battle with ladder leaders Coomealla. Currently sitting inside the four, if the Tigers can pull off a win they will secure a finals berth. The Cannons are a formidable combination and will be keen to bank the win to stitch up top spot.
In what stands out as the match of the round, Midura travel to Euston. The Bandits sit comfortably in third spot and will be keen to record the win. The Magic need to win their last two rounds and trust that other matches fall their way if they are to see finals action in February.
Irymple take on the Steamers at the Cauldron. The visitors should take the points comfortably. Win or lose they will have the double chance come finals time.
