By Chris Mitchell
OUYEN face off against Workers at Blackburn Park in tomorrow’s match of the round in Bowls Sunraysia Saturday pennant, as the Two Blues look to cement their place in the top four before the Christmas break.
Workers, on the other hand, will be fighting to remain in contention.
The Green and Gold sit three points out of the four behind Merbein and they will need to lift against Ouyen, who have enjoyed a rich seam of form in recent weeks defeating Merbein, followed by Red Cliffs last week.
Mick Donaghy has his rink firing alongside Alan Crook who has produced some solid form within the Two Blues unit.
Workers will be looking for a lift from Roger Bray’s quartet along with Ken Job if they are to challenge Ouyen. The home side have settled their combinations and should win a tight tussle.
Merbein have everything to play for this week at home and their contest against Irymple will be an absorbing affair.
David Maud has his rink of Evan Rice, Eric Watson and Danny Lee running on remote control. They played brilliantly against Mildura last week and almost pulled off a much-needed victory for the Hawks.
Match-ups will again be pivotal.
The Sun’s Matt West has strung together a run of wins and his rink of Chris Maddigan, Mick Legin and Graham Newey will be looking to continue that form.
While the Suns should take the points it would not surprise if the Hawks created havoc.
Mildura will be at home to Red Cliffs. This is a must-win match for both sides.
The Tigers sit at the bottom of the ladder but are still within striking distance of the four and while a win could possibly sling-shot them into the four, they would have to rely on both Ouyen and Irymple to collect full points.
The Magic have made hard work of some matches this year and will be looking to finish off the year with a good win leading into the break.
Division 2 presents some interesting contests. Mildura welcome Nangiloc to Cureton Avenue and will be hoping to continue their form after toppling ladder leader Coomealla last week.
Nangiloc need to get back on the winners’ list after a clean sheet at Irymple. Magic to win.
Workers have the job in front of them as they do battle with Coomealla.
The Cannons will have all guns blazing and should be in front at the finish.
Irymple sit one point shy of Mildura in third place and will be hunting for a good result against Ouyen – a win could elevate them to second and the double chance come finals time.
Wentworth will be smarting after their defeat at the hands of Mildura last week in Division 3 and will be on the rebound against Workers. Steamers at home to win.
Merbein take on Mildura at Kenny Park but the Magic will be on the hunt and should collect the points.
Underbool will be at home to Irymple and the locals sit inside the four, seven points ahead of the Suns – a win will give them some breathing space heading into the break.
Red Cliffs welcome Euston to the Tiger’s Den. The Bandits have been on the up in recent weeks and will be keen to collect the points.
Division 4 ladder leaders Coomealla do battle with Euston 3 at the Thunderdome and should take the points at home.
Red Cliffs host Mildura 4 with Magic the favourites.
Mildura 5 are at home to Underbool and this should be a tight affair as the Magic sit just above Underbool on the ladder and should sneak in a win.
Irymple play Euston 2 at and the home side look strong enough to win a tight contest.
Coomealla will be hosting the Champion of Champions singles titles in the New Year and pennant bowls will resume in mid-January.
