OPEN season has been declared in Bowls Sunraysia Saturday Division 1 pennant as the race for the final four heats up.
Ouyen took out ladder leaders Irymple, Red Cliffs accounted for Merbein and Mildura got home on the last end of their match against Workers.
The four takes on a new look with Mildura top of the table, Irymple second with Ouyen jumping to third and Merbein hanging on to fourth by their finger nails.
Ouyen took full toll of the Irymple Suns at Blackburn Park when Mick Donaghy skipped his rink of Norm Latta, Karen Crook and Mathew Martin to a 31-23 win over Graeme Lynch, Darren Cass, Anthony Kelly and Trevor Flack, putting an end to the Irymple Skips undefeated run.
The Two Blues went on to record a 72(9) – 65(3) win over the reigning premiers. Ouyen’s win has put them clearly into the four.
Merbein worked hard all day against Red Cliffs. Jeff Greenhill fired the first salvo for the Hawks swooping in to take out Fred Giugno 28 – 18.
Maurie Press quickly responded with a 27 – 15 win over Laurie McLaine to give the Tigers a sniff. When Michael Clifford signed off on a 21-20 win over Shawn Fullerton the day was done. Tigers winning 66(10) – 62(2).
Workers took the game right up to Mildura with the match in the balance from the get go.
Roger Bray opened up an early lead for the Green and Gold, a divide that was a bridge too far for Mark Eckel. Bray, Fred Bacon, Ron Archer and Wayne Long recorded a 25-17 win.
Next door Ian “Butch” Pollock had his hands full controlling Eddy Vuick whose rink of Peter Mitchell, Dianne Smith and Richard Clarke reduced a 10-shot deficit to go down 19 – 25.
Big black clouds began rolling in; looming large and threatening to unload as the last end began, Mildura holding a three-shot advantage.
One down on the head and in dire straits if Ken Job could add to the mix. Under driving rain and blustery conditions Keith Sharman produced the match winner drawing a flat toucher to extinguish the Workers chances.
Mildura winning by two shots overall. Sharman defeating Job 29-24. Mildura 71(10) – Workers 69(2).
Division Two ladder leaders Coomealla continued on their winning way after a tough encounter against Irymple.
Coomealla 76(10) d Irymple 68(2). Brian Tyers leading the way for the Cannons with a 25 – 18 win over Phil Newton.
Nangiloc were back to full strength this week and recorded a resounding 92(12) – 53(0) win over Ouyen. Jamie Forte collecting a 35-12 win over Reg Dean.
Workers had few answers for Mildura. John Simpson piloted his crew of Corey Bettess, Bill Hobbs and Graeme Young to a solid 43-14 win over Ron Boyd setting up Mildura for an 84(10) to 64(2) win over the Green and Gold.
Division 3 matches saw ladder leaders Wentworth win against Red Cliffs. The Steamers winning 72(10) – 62(2). Workers defeated a gallant Underbool side 67(10) – 62(2). Euston took all the points against Merbein 72(12) – 48(0). Irymple lost to Mildura 71(4) – 74(8). The finals race heats up as Merbein and Underbool sit 3 points shy of the four on 50 points and the same shot difference.
Fourth Division dynamos Coomealla have stormed 18 points clear of the competition after defeating Mildura 5 56(8) – 39(0). Irymple took down Euston 3 46(8) – 22(0). Euston 2 recorded a solid win over Red Cliffs 58(8) – 28(0). Mildura 4 got the job done against Underbool 54(8) – Underbool 30(0).
Ladders:
Division 1: Mildura 72, Irymple 69, Ouyen 53, Merbein 47, Workers 46, Red Cliffs 37.
Division 2: Coomealla 86, Mildura 71, Irymple 68, Nangiloc 55, Workers 30, Ouyen 14.
Division 3: Wentworth 86, Mildura 67, Euston 60, Irymple 53, Merbein 50, Underbool 50, Workers 38, Red Cliffs 28
Division 4: Coomealla 62, Irymple 44, Mildura 4 42, Euston 2 40, Mildura 5 40, Underbool 22, Euston 3 22, Red Cliffs 16.
