Sport
6 December, 2024
Big wet wreaks havoc on Saturday pennant
Just two games were completed in the Saturday pennant last week as rain took hold across the Maryborough district.
DIVISION ONE
Division one was the only league to see action completed across the weekend, with games at Talbot and the Highland Society.
Dunolly Blue’s game with Maryborough Golf Blue was called off, with both teams gaining eight points apiece.
At Talbot, Talbot Gold moved into third position with a 60-39 victory over Avoca Red.
Talbot was in control across most of the day, with Matt Vernon defeating Ian Proctor 23-12 and Chris Crossley defeating Daniel Giddings 22-10. Avoca Red did gain two points thanks to Noel Parratt’s 17-15 win over Peter Fletcher, but it was not enough.
Highland Tartan needed a good result to extend their lead at the top of the table and they duly delivered, with a 72-58 win over stablemates Highland White.
It was a competitive game all-round, with the only real difference proving to be Garry Coburn’s 27-13 win over Albert Spencer. Otherwise, both teams split the remaining two rinks, with Greg Shay delivering a 23-19 win over Robert Bursill, and Roy Crawley taking a 26-22 win over Michael Fryar for Highland White.
DIVISION TWO
While two games in division two were started, both were unable to be completed.
Highland’s game against Dunolly Gold, and Carisbrook’s game against Newstead Blue were the only two games which were started, but both were washed out, which made the round null and void.
Earlier, there were washouts in the games between Dunolly Green and Newstead White, Maryborough Golf and Avoca and Bridgewater and Talbot. All teams took eight points each, apart from Maldon, who had the bye, taking 16 points.
ROUND TEN
Just two weeks remain in the first half of the 2024/25 season.
Round 10 looms as a crucial week in the scheme of the season, with matchups meaning the top four could almost be a lock following the round.
With Highland White trailing fourth-placed Maryborough Golf Blue by 28 points, a win against third-placed Talbot Gold at home will be imperative if they wish to keep their season alive.
It is the same deal for Avoca Red, who will almost essentially be knocked out of the race if they cannot defeat Maryborough Golf Blue on their home rink.
Match of the round billing goes to Highland Tartan and Dunolly Blue at Highland. With the top two teams separated by just nine points on the ladder, the winner will almost certainly be on top by the end of the round.
The implications for the game are an interesting one.
Tartan will be in the top two regardless of what happens, and could theoretically maintain top spot if they lose overall, but win two rinks, while Dunolly Blue could finish the round in first, second, third or fourth depending on what happens — such is the closeness of the season.
The weekend looks set to be terrific in division two as well — with a first versus second match also taking top billing.
Newstead Blue will be looking to continue their unbeaten run against a Maryborough Golf team who will be looking to get back on track at Newstead.
While Newstead Blue are guaranteed to be on top by the end of the round regardless of what happens, if they defeat Maryborough Golf, Golf could find themselves as low as fourth after maintaining a top two spot throughout the first nine rounds.
Third meets fifth in a crucial game, with just three points separating Carisbrook and Maldon on the ladder.
The reward for the victor at Maldon is a potential jump, possibly to as high as second on the ladder depending on other results.
Talbot will also be hoping to move up from fourth on the ladder, and could yet benefit from the four teams around them playing one another as they travel to Newstead White.
The slender finals hopes of Highland and Dunolly Green are on the line when the two teams meet at Dunolly.
Avoca will also be hoping to keep their small chances alive when they host Bridgewater, who are still seeking their first win of the season.
Dunolly Gold will have the bye, taking 16 premiership points.