RIVERSIDE and Coomealla Navy have locked in a blockbuster showdown this Sunday for the Murray Darling Golf Association Division One scratch pennant title, while Division Two heavyweights Riverside Green and Mildura will square off in what promises to be a thrilling 36-hole finale at Coomealla.
In the last round of regular season action, Riverside sealed their place in the decider with a three-and-a-half to one-and-a-half victory against Coomealla White.
Steve Wilmann edged Garth Doherty one up in a tight anchor match that ultimately booked Riverside’s ticket to the final, while teammates Ashley Whitehouse and Jarrad Stokker also notched wins.
Coomealla Navy continued their recent inspiring form with a dominant four to one triumph over reigning premiers Red Cliffs.
A dramatic Jacob Slimmon win one up against Ben Hogan put the icing on the cake for his team’s performance.
James Daly, Matt Bottomley and Troy Neville were all victorious for Coomealla by bigger deficits, while Red Cliffs’ Darryl Morgan came away with Red Cliffs single win against Justin McPhee as they are now unable to retain their pennant crown.
In Division two, Mildura snuck their way into this weekend’s final through a hard-fought two-and-half draw against Riverside Golds.
Paul Leonard and Greg Toma wins, along with an all square match between Nathan Level and Lee Duller, proved just enough to defeat Gold and keep Mildura’s season and Division Two title hopes alive.
Riverside Green proceeded to round off their perfect regular season with a three-and-a-half to one-and-a-half success against Ref Cliffs.
Green’s Nick George, Simon Clarke and Josh Bailey ensured their side’s undefeated status and a momentum boost heading into Sunday’s battle.
MDGA President Garth Doherty said both contests are shaping up for a compelling competition conclusion.
“Coomealla Navy should go in as favourites,” he said.
“They’ve got five strong, experienced players and the home course advantage.
“But, Riverside have two very strong players in Whitehouse and Rouse.
“If they fire and one of the other can get up, they’re right in it.”
Doherty affirmed the strength at Riverside Green’s disposal in Division Two.
“Riverside Green are a stacked side, some of their players could be playing in Division One,” he said.
“But Mildura bring a lot of experience, with Lever, Leonard, Toma, Spanos and Adams in the mix.
“It’ll come down to who delivers over 36 holes.”
The high quality of golf within the Sunraysia region has been on full display this season as Sunday promises more suspenseful action.
“It’s been a great comp,” said Doherty. “No easy wins, no easy matches.
“Division One came down to the final hole of the Riverside versus Coomealla White match, and in Div Two, if Gold had gotten up, they would’ve been in.
“That’s how tight it’s been, it’s all been played in great spirit, now we’ve got two 36-hole finals to cap it off.
“That’ll definitely separate the better golfers from the rest, we’ll see who’s holding the pennant flags by Sunday afternoon.”
The Division Two final is set to tee off at Coomealla for 8am between Riverside Green and Mildura, with Division One following soon after at 8.30am with Coomealla Navy facing off against Riverside.
