WITH four rounds of Sunraysia Pennant Bowls remaining, the race is on in earnest for a place in the Division 1 final four in the new year.
Last weekend’s round produced two upsets when Merbein derailed Irymple and Workers produced a stunning win at Blackburn Park against Ouyen, the latter needing a win to stay in touch with the four.
Sadly, Red Cliffs lost to Mildura and will need a Herculean finish if they are to make finals.
Round 12, a January 18 return, could well determine the fate of Workers. They confront Merbein at Cureton Avenue and will need to win.
Red Cliffs also will have a lot to say in this round as they host Irymple whose away record this season has not been solid.
Divison 2 looks to be fairly set. Nanigiloc are in fourth place 22 points ahead of Workers in fifth.
The interesting observation is who will finish top of the table. Coomealla have been cruising most of the season but have lost both games to Mildura.
We may have to wait until round 15 to see how that pans out. Irymple have produced a solid run coming home and are also in the mix sitting only three points adrift of Mildura who are in second.
Third Division looks to be set with Wentworth steaming along in top spot, followed by Mildura nine points adrift in second. Euston and Underbool sit in third and fourth respectively. Irymple in fifth trail by 19 points which might be a bridge too far.
Fourth Division has Coomealla firing a consistent barrage across the competition. The Cannons have an almost unassailable lead at the top of the table 18 points clear of Mildura 4 in second spot.
Irymple sit third, six behind and 12 ahead of Euston. The real fight will be between Euston 2, Mildura 5 and Underbool for the fourth spot. Only two points or one rink win separates these three sides.
With everything to play for clubs and players will take a four-week spell as we celebrate Christmas and welcome in 2025. Play will resume on Saturday, January 18.
PARTICIPATION IN STATE EVENTS.
PLAYERS are questioning the lack of numbers participating in state events this year.
It wasn’t that many years ago entries for state events were very healthy and players looked forward to a solid day’s competition where you got the chance to pit yourself against the better players.
It was also a pathway to selection for the District and Regional Sides, not to mention qualification to contest state finals.
This year the numbers for events have been as follows: State Mixed Pairs 14 teams. State Singles – Men: 18. Women: 12. State Pairs – Men: 15. Women: 4. State Triples – Men: 9. Women: 3.
Something is sadly amiss. Each Saturday we have in excess of 300 players fronting up to play pennant for their clubs but only about 10 per cent to 15 per cent entering state events. And even fewer women entering.
Is it timing? Are there too many competitions running across each other. For example we have Veterans’ Pennant running for 18 weeks on a Thursday concluding in early December.
Midweek Pennant is played on a Monday. Both Saturday and Midweek pennant are open to both male and female players.
This is further complicated by the Murray Mallee Region requiring state events to be concluded by early new year.
Perhaps moving Midweek to the middle of the week may alleviate some of that pressure. Perhaps Veterans’ pennant should be moved to a winter time slot – say May through August.
Is it format? Most state events at Sunraysia level are now knock out and players are guaranteed only one game.
Those that have to travel distance may opt not to enter. Sectional play guarantees players a full days play. It also helps to generate revenue for clubs.
Is it the mode of entry? Players are now required to enter online using Bowlslink. For many even those that are reasonably computer literate, attempting to navigate you way to the entry portal can be a bit of a challenge.
If we continue to do what we’ve always done and expect a different result. Isn’t that the definition of insanity?
Perhaps players need to think things through and voice opinions through the correct forum; your club’s board of management.
And that is all from Controversy Corner for 2024.
