By Chris Mitchell
LADDER leaders and reigning Bowls Sunraysia Saturday Pennant Division 1 premiers Irymple travel to Red Cliffs to take on the Tigers in what could be a danger game for them.
After a solid win against Merbein in round 1, the Suns will be looking to consolidate their position with a completely new-look side with recruit David Gray skipping, Murray Fazulla also taking on a skipping role alongside seasoned campaigner Graham Lynch.
Missing from last year are Tom Hogan, Matt West and Tanner Dickson-Arthur, all regional representatives.
Darren Cordwell, Greg Brown, Mick Legin and Graham Newey are also new to the side.
It will be interesting to see how the side gels together when they face off against the Tigers.
Red Cliffs are a solid unit with Maurie Press, Fred Giugno, Mark Ford and Luke Savaidis-Milne recording a solid win over Mildura’s Keith Sharman in round 1 and almost causing an upset.
Alongside Press, Michael Clifford had his rink pressing Ian Pollock early in proceedings.
The Tigers will be up and about Saturday, but Irymple are the tip to take the points in a close encounter.
Workers will start favourites against Merbein at Cureton Avenue.
After a hard-fought draw against Ouyen in round 1 they will be keen to get some runs on the board.
Merbein should not be taken lightly – while they may have lost some key players, they are a very competitive side with the likes of David Maud and Laurie McLaine solid performers.
Much will depend on the up-front players providing a solid start for their team. Workers at home to win.
Mildura host Ouyen and will need to be on the job early.
The Two Blues have the capacity to cause grief with the likes of Alan Crook, Mick Donaghy and Harry Munro all potential matchwinners.
For the Magic, Butch Pollock starting the season with a solid win in round 1 and the chief wizard Mark Eckel also in good form should mean they take the points.
In second division, ladder leaders Irymple will host Workers at the Cauldron.
After a thumping win last round it’s hard to go past the Suns. Workers will be coming off a 20-shot loss to the Cannons and will be looking for some redemption. The Suns to prevail.
Coomealla host Nangiloc as second plays third. Both sides are solid Division 2 contenders this year.
The Cannons will need to fire early and with the home carpet advantage could prove to be too good for the ‘Loc.
The Magic are at home to Ouyen and should take the points.
In Division 3, Underbool at home to Workers will be on the hop after a good win in round 1 and will take the points.
Red Cliffs host Wentworth; Tigers to salute. Ladder leaders Euston take on Merbein at the Bandits HQ and should win. Mildura will be looking to make it two from two at Cureton Avenue over Irymple.
In Division 4, Red Cliffs at home should win against Euston 2. Euston 3 received a forfeit from Irymple 4. Coomealla host Mildura 5 at the Dome and should collect the points. Underbool 2 at home to Mildura 4 will be a tough encounter. Toss a coin to decide this one.
