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Sport

26 October, 2023

Thrilling week of Saturday bowls turns heads

Round two of the Saturday pennant saw the reigning grand finalists start to make their move to clear out from the pack, while division two pulled out a weekend full of thrillers. The highlight of the second round of division one was newly-promoted...

By Michael Thompson

Thrilling week of Saturday bowls turns heads - feature photo

Round two of the Saturday pennant saw the reigning grand finalists start to make their move to clear out from the pack, while division two pulled out a weekend full of thrillers.

The highlight of the second round of division one was newly-promoted Highland White taking the game right up to Dunolly Blue, before eventually going down by seven shots.

That came despite Highland White taking two of the three rinks on offer, however, Peter Waters’ 28-14 win over Robert Bursill was enough to help Dunolly Blue take the points, despite Leanne Wallis defeating Gregory Dobbin 19-16 and Nathan Reeves defeating Tony Galofaro 17-13.

Highland Tartan, as a result, extended their lead atop the ladder to four points courtesy of a 76-51 win over Dunolly Gold.

The win wasn’t without a speed bump, as Dunolly Gold took two points thanks to Roy Pickering’s 27-21 win over Andrew Brumby. Nevertheless, Highland Tartan were still too strong, with Garry Coburn winning 20-12 over Bernie Lanfranchi, and Greg Shay defeating Jim Haigh 35-12.

Talbot Gold were on the winners’ list for the first time this season and showed that they mean business, clean sweeping Maryborough Golf Blue 74-38.

Peter McLaughlin took a strong 30-11 win over Gerry Carmody, while Peter Fletcher defeated Kevin Prime 25-9. In the closest rink of the day, Paul Radstock defeated Anthony Chambers 19-18 as Talbot Gold vaulted to fourth on the ladder.

Avoca Red also got on the board for the first time this year, defeating a spirited Newstead Blue 59-48.

Newstead Blue were able to take two of the rinks, with Brian Daly defeating Matthew Higgins 17-15 and Bill Burnett defeating Ian Proctor 21-19. However, Daniel Giddings’ 25-10 win over David Cobden provided all the ammunition Avoca Red needed.

The pick of the games this week in division one sees Highland Tartan meet Talbot Gold in what promises to be a thrilling game between two of the competition powerhouses.

Highland White will look to continue their good form and emerge as a potential finals threat against Avoca Red, while at the other end of the ladder, Newstead Blue and Dunolly Gold will be looking for their first win of the season.

Maryborough Golf Blue will be desperate to bounce back, but will face a tough assignment against Dunolly Blue.

In division two, all three games were decided by no more than seven points in an exceptional weekend.

Avoca Gold survived a thriller against Maldon to win by the barest of margins. Noel Parratt was able to win the first rink, 24-16 over Jim Brookshaw, but Maldon hit back on the remaining two rinks, with Peter Sedgwick winning 25-19 over Chris Cocking and Annette Gillham winning 24-23 over Graeme Orr.

The result means Maldon have lost their two games by a combined five shots, while Avoca Gold have had two consecutive one-shot wins to start the season.

In another thriller, Highland Red had to survive another tough assignment against Talbot Brown, and were victorious again in their second consecutive game decided by under five shots, winning 50-47.

Albert Spencer won his rink over Steven Murray 19-11, but it was all Talbot Brown on the second rink, with Barb Crossley defeating Tilleke Wadeson 22-13. Lance Wadeson gave Highland Red the result they desired courtesy of an 18-14 win over Ray Prentice.

Carisbrook were pushed all the way by Maryborough Golf Gold, but eventually recorded a 63-56 win to remain on top of the ladder.

Phillip Burt scored a 25-24 win over Robert Bird, but Maryborough Golf Gold took the second rink, with Trevor Young defeating Ron Baker 18-16. But it was all Carisbrook on the third rink, with Syd Pearson dominant in a 22-14 win over John Scott.

Newstead White had to forfeit their game against Dunolly Green.

Round three sees an early top two meeting between Carisbrook and Highland Red, with the former hosting their first Saturday pennant game on their home rink since their re-opening.

Third-placed Avoca Gold will look to keep their winning run going when they travel to Talbot Brown, while Dunolly Green will look to keep their newly-earned spot in the top four when they host Maryborough Golf Gold.

Maldon will be looking to break through after two close losses when they host Newstead White.

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