By Chris Mitchell
THE closing round of Bowls Sunraysia weekend pennant sorted the final four after an enthralling set of match-ups.
The top three sides prevailed but not after a significant scare for the Irymple Suns.
Workers took the game right up to them with Ken Job getting over Graeme Lynch 26–19 while Butch Pollock held out Tom Hogan 25-24.
Workers were two rinks up and leading by eight shots and looking the goods.
The other Hogan, Rob, piloted his unit under the radar to collect a nine-shot win for the Suns to deliver a one-shot win overall 70(8)–69(4) to secure second second spot on the ladder.
The Coomealla Cannons fronted up to Ouyen at Blackburn Park, but the home side were not in any mood to spare the visitors an inch.
Janet Vallance recorded a 25-24 win over Brandon Tyers and Stephen Simmonds rounded up Tom Bath 32-10.
The big performers were Sue Kelly (s), Alan Floyd, Alan Crook and Ning Pitcher with a barnstorming 58-15 win over Rod Taylor to secure a 115 (12)–49 (0) victory.
With such an emphatic win, Ouyen guaranteed themselves a home final against Workers next week.
Ladder leaders Mildura headed to Kenny Park to take on final-four contenders Merbein, with the home side needing to win if they were to have any chance.
Mark Eckel had a tough match against Jeff Greenhill, getting home 23-19.
Bob Deacon drew Laurie McLaine and the latter plied his trade well to pull off a 28-22 win for the Hawks.
Chris Mitchell’s rink of Isaiah Bettess, John Huxtable and John Simpson combined well to collect a 33-17 win over Jack Anderson to get the Magic 78 (10)–64 (2).
Second division saw a major upset, with Irymple getting over ladder leaders Nangiloc by three, 75 (8)–72 (4).
The Loc had two rinks in with Ben Mansell winning 30-27 over Graeme Phillips while Toby Moore had a good win over John Harmer 22-15, giving the Loc a 10-shot margin.
Phil Newton had different ideas and set about putting together a 33-20 win over Jamie Forter to get the home side the overall win.
Mildura, needing a win to claim top spot, got the job done with a 10-shot win over Red Cliffs 79 (10)–69 (2).
Workers finished their season with a convincing win over Merbein 81 (11)–56 (1).
Third division saw Mildura claim fourth spot with an impressive away win over Euston, claiming all the points 97 (12)–68 (0).
Allan Jones (s), Wally Grembecki, Kevin Ingram and Rod Johnstone the big winners with a 46-19 win over Peter Tyrrell.
Top side Irymple were held to a draw by Workers, needing a win to hold on to fourth spot.
Sadly, that was not to be and the sides had to share the points 74 (7)–74 (5).
Underbool hosted Ouyen and were no match for the visitors, going down 49 (0)–91 (12).
Top side Coomealla collected a 72 (10)–54 (2) win over Irymple in fourth division.
Wentworth were challenged by a determined Mildura Magic unit who pushed the Steamers all the way 83 (8)–82 (4).
Euston 83 (10) defeated Red Cliffs 62 (2).
LADDERS
Division 1: Mildura 129, Irymple 111, Ouyen 106, Workers 81, Merbein 71, Coomealla 42.
Division 2: Mildura 115, Nangiloc 109, Irymple 105, Red Cliffs 90, Workers 74, Merbein 47.
Division 3: Irymple 128, Ouyen 118, Underbool 95, Mildura 83, Workers 80, Euston 36.
Division 4: Coomealla 130, Wentworth 116, Euston 99, Red Cliffs 75, Mildura 62, Irymple 58.
