Sport
9 December, 2025
Rain fails to dampen weekend pennant
Despite heavy rain falling throughout the region Saturday morning, all weekend pennant games were completed, resulting in competition-shifting matches across all three divisions.
DIVISION ONE
The undefeated train of the Maryborough Highland Society chugs along, steamrolling to their ninth consecutive win by overcoming Talbot’s attempted roadblock 51-41.
After falling just short of the ladder-leaders in round two, Talbot were determined to blemish High-land’s record with Peter Fletcher winning 20-13 over Greg Shay.
However, Garry Coburn and Greg McHugh were once again the difference makers for Highland, with Coburn defeating Chris Crossley 20-10 and Greg McHugh victorious against Peter McLaughlan 18-11.
With Talbot’s defeat, Dunolly Blue seemed destined to vault back into second as they hosted Newstead. However, what on paper looked like a percentage booster for Dunolly Blue turned into a memorable battle.
After Chris Williams’ contest with David Cobden ended in a 22-22 draw, Alan Weir gave Dunolly Blue a slight advantage by overcoming Bill Burnett 17-14.
Despite Brian Daly delivering the result Newstead needed, he couldn’t create enough of a gap from Tony Galofaro, as his 18-17 win meant Dunolly Blue scraped through to a 56-54 victory.
Dunolly Blue weren’t the only team to make movements inside the top four as Carisbrook completed the season double over Maryborough Golf 61-53, jumping themselves into the finals places at the reigning premiers’ expense.
Anthony Chambers delivered an early statement for Golf by vanquishing Roy Pickering 27-15, but just like their round two triumph, Carisbrook found a way to flip the result.
Ross Gregory impressed in a 28-13 win against Gerry Carmody, while Ron Baker defeated Kevin Prime 18-13 to give Carisbrook a six-point buffer in the finals spots.
A team making a late surge for those finals positions is Avoca, who have made it back-to-back victories with a win over Maldon 63-40.
Despite the match being played at the Maryborough Highland Society due to Avoca’s greens being flooded by Saturday’s downpour, it didn’t affect Avoca’s play.
Ian Proctor held on 15-13 in a tight affair against Annette Gillham, while Frank Shannon overpowered Wesley Honeyman 25-12 and Daniel Giddings commanded Peter Sedgwick 23-15.
DIVISION TWO
Avoca was inches away from completing a stunning upset over finals contenders Highland White, forced to settle for a 36-36 draw.
Despite being at the bottom of the ladder with one victory, Avoca found a new level on Saturday, headlined by Geoff Loosmore conquering Allan Pike 20-18.
Frank Mifsud drew one back for Highland White by besting Ann Loosmore, but his 18-16 win meant the two teams shared seven points.
The result handed Highland White their second draw of the season, allowing the other team they tied with in Maryborough Golf to leap back into the top two with a 45-36 win against Dunolly Green.
Despite Dunolly Green’s Fabio Delconte producing a memorable 20-19 triumph against Trevor Young, Gary Chaplin guided Golf to victory by defeating Karen Waters 26-16.
With their round eight draw now changed to a Golf forfeit, Highland Black is 23 points clear atop division two after their 50-23 victory against Talbot.
Dennis Prosser and Robert Bursill ensured Highland Black made quick work of their opponents, with Prosser holding off Ray Prentice 19-12 and Bursill dominating Laurie Vernon 31-11.
Dunolly Gold has burst into a commanding position inside the top four thanks to a commanding 63-19 performance over Bridgewater.
Raeleen Mebbrey started proceedings by trouncing Ian Clutton 30-7, and Aaron Britten followed suit by conquering Christopher Brooshooft 33-12.
DIVISION THREE
The Maryborough Highland Society scored a massive victory by overpowering fellow contenders Carisbrook 44-27.
Tilleke Wadeson did the bulk of the damage with a 26-10 win against Kathleen Upson, while Gregory Long’s nail-biting 18-17 victory over Marlene Gouge ensured Highland took all 14 points.
Despite the win, Highland sits just five points clear in first thanks to Newstead dominating Maldon 51-27. Angela Hill dazzled for Newstead with a 30-11 win versus Glen Coy, as did Rod Jackson, who held off Pam Lyons 21-16.
Dunolly has extended its finals buffer to 31 points with a crucial 44-20 victory against Avoca.
Wayne Stephens managed to overcome Allyson Hearnden 19-10, allowing Paul Chase to complete the sweep by defeating Gordon Marr 25-10.
ROUND 10
Round 10 marks the final round before the month-long Christmas break, with teams hoping to add a victory to their festive cheer.
Division one braces for a pivotal blockbuster as second-placed Dunolly Blue travel to play Talbot, who currently sit in third.
The converted double chance spot is currently held by Dunolly Blue, in large part to their 64-62 win over Talbot back in round three, despite losing two rinks.
Newstead will look to follow their best performance of the season against a Carisbrook side determined to stay in the top four.
Any slip-up by Carisbrook could open the door for Maryborough Golf, who will first have to navigate an in-form Avoca away from home.
The Maryborough Highland Society will aim for a perfect 10 wins on the trot versus Maldon.
In division two, Highland White has a massive opportunity to rectify a recent slip in form in an intraclub battle against Highland Black.
Currently stuck in a Highland sandwich in the ladder, Maryborough Golf aims to maintain its double chance spot with an away victory over Avoca.
Dunolly Gold can give the finals chasing pack a mountain to climb with a good result against Talbot, while Dunolly Green and Bridgewater will hope to capitalise at the others’ expense if Talbot defeats Dunolly Gold.
Division three will see Dunolly play Carisbrook in a potential finals preview, Maldon host Highland and Avoca visit Newstead.