Sport
14 December, 2023
Important games for final round of 2023
All games were called off for round nine of the Saturday pennant, leaving just one more round for 2023 before the season takes a hiatus. In division one, a number of important games which could shape the ladder takes place. None are bigger than the...
All games were called off for round nine of the Saturday pennant, leaving just one more round for 2023 before the season takes a hiatus. In division one, a number of important games which could shape the ladder takes place.
None are bigger than the match-up between second-placed Highland Tartan and third-placed Talbot Gold.
For Highland Tartan, it is the first of a two-game stretch which will see them looking to earn the double chance, with their first game of 2024 set to come against ladder-leading Dunolly Blue, while for Talbot Gold, who currently sit 15 points behind the second-placed Tartan, a win will see them roar back into contention for the double chance.
Another big game which could shape the race for both the double chance and the top four race sees Avoca Red hosting Highland White.
A victory for Avoca Red will see them keep in touch with the top two, and could yet vault them up into third depending on results, while for Highland White, a win here would significantly close up the gap, as they sit 18 points behind their opponents.
Ladder-leaders Dunolly Blue currently lead the way by 20 points, and will be looking to take advantage of the clash between Highland Tartan and Talbot Gold when they meet Maryborough Golf Blue.
A win for Golf Blue, however, will see them potentially move into the top four, depending on other results around the competition, while for Dunolly Blue, a win for them and losses to Talbot Gold and Avoca Red would see them all but secure the double chance.
For a large part of the season, Newstead Blue have been more competitive than their ladder position suggests, but they will need to win against bottom team Dunolly Gold this week to firstly ease any pressure they may have for relegation, while also keeping the door ajar in the slightest for a spot in the top four.
With a win in their last start, Newstead Blue now currently sits 24 points clear of Dunolly Gold, and a repeat of their round three victory will almost secure them division one status again for next season.
For Dunolly Gold, they will need to start winning games if they are any chance of surviving the drop.
Division two is headlined by the clash between ladder-leader Highland Red and Carisbrook at the Highland Society.
Highland Red have established a 16-point break on Talbot Brown in second, but will be looking to avoid a clean sweep much like their first encounter in round three.
That, coupled with Talbot Brown repeating their clean sweep from round three against Avoca Gold, would see them relinquish top spot on the ladder.
Talbot Brown currently sit 16 points behind, but enjoy a significant percentage break, while this is a must-win game for Avoca Gold, who are currently 18 points behind Maldon. Should they lose, they will have an enormous task of overhauling the gap to fourth place with four games to go.
Maryborough Golf Gold currently hold fourth place, but will be hoping both Talbot Brown and Carisbrook stumble in the race for the double chance, while also looking to get the job done against Dunolly Green.
Dunolly Green currently sit in second last, but a win could see them keep their finals chances alive, such is the close race in division two.
Maldon, too, could vault right back into contention should they beat bottom team Newstead White.
Although Newstead White’s season has been littered by forfeits, their last start saw them defeat Avoca Gold, highlighting how dangerous they can be.
Maldon are currently equal on points with Dunolly Green in sixth, but can move up to fifth depending on results around the competition.