Sport
22 November, 2024
Upsets turn Saturday pennant on its head
An incredible weekend of upsets have swung the pendulum that is a topsy-turvy Saturday pennant season around once again.
DIVISION ONE
Talbot Gold recorded one of their best victories in years, sweeping aside Highland Tartan on their home deck to take an 80-36 victory.
In a complete sweep, Matt Vernon took a 19-17 win over Greg Shay, while Chris Crossley had a convincing 34-5 win over Michael Fryar. Peter Fletcher finished off the job with a 27-14 win over Garry Coburn as Talbot closed to within nine points of top spot.
Avoca Red kept their hopes alive with a 53-51 win over Dunolly Blue at Avoca, a result which has kept Highland Tartan on top.
There was something for everyone as each rink had a different result. Tony Galofaro and Ian Proctor played out a 19-all draw, while Peter Waters gave Dunolly Blue two points thanks to an 18-16 win over Allyson Hearnden. But it was Daniel Giddings’ 18-14 win over Alan Weir which helped Avoca Red get over the line.
Maryborough Golf Blue got some breathing space in fourth position with a crucial 80-47 win over Highland White.
In a game where the winner would have taken fourth spot, it was Golf Blue who took two of the three rinks on offer.
Graeme Orr took a 22-17 win over Bert Spencer, while Anthony Chambers’ 37-6 win over Robert Bursill provided some good leg room for Golf Blue. Roy Crawley took a 24-21 win over Gerry Carmody to give Highland White two premiership points.
DIVISION TWO
Newstead Blue have now moved clear on top of the ladder, taking a 77-41 win over Dunolly Green to remain unbeaten in season 2024/25.
The ladder-leaders were very close to taking all three rinks, but Jim Haigh’s 16-15 win over Brian Daly meant Dunolly Green would take two premiership points for their efforts.
Otherwise, it was a perfect day for Newstead Blue, with Bill Burnett defeating Wayne Stephens 29-14 and David Cobden defeating Sandra Chaplin 33-11 as they flexed their muscle.
That result was coupled with Carisbrook’s 61-45 win over Maryborough Golf, meaning it’s now a 12-point gap from first to second on the ladder.
Carisbrook took two rinks, with Ron Baker defeating Kort Gay 28-11, and Phillip Burt defeated Harold Patullo 16-14. Golf took a rink with Ross Andrews’ 20-17 win over Malcolm Milne, but it was the first time they would have their colours lowered for the season.
That result kept Carisbrook in the top three, while Talbot remain close behind in fourth after taking a clean sweep against Dunolly Gold with their 83-44 triumph.
Barb Crossley took a 32-13 win over Paul Chase, while Robert Jackson similarly had a comfortable afternoon with a 32-16 win over Fabio Delconte. Ray Prentice finished things off with a 19-15 win over Ian McKenzie.
Maldon’s chances weren’t harmed with their 86-38 win over Avoca.
They too were able to take all three rinks, with Annette Gillham’s 21-17 win over Loralee Field the closest of the day, while Peter Sedgwick had a comfortable 33-7 win over Gordon Marr, and Wesley Honeyman took a 32-14 win over Christine Bearpark.
With those results, a significant 24-point gap has opened up between fifth and sixth, which is now occupied by Highland after a 71-39 win over Newstead White.
Highland took all three rinks, with Frank Mifsud winning 22-12 over Graeme Lipback, Jeanette Oliver scoring a 27-13 win over Peter Tangey and Tilleke Wadeson managing a 22-14 win over Rod Jackson.
ROUND EIGHT
What last weekend’s results mean is that round eight, at the halfway point, is as fascinating as ever.
Taking top billing in division one is the contest between third-placed Talbot Gold and fourth-placed Maryborough Golf Blue.
Both teams were incredibly convincing and impressive victors last week, and with the competition so even, a key result will be crucial for either team.
First meets last when Highland Tartan travels to Avoca Red, but it’s the latter who are in winning form after their victory over Dunolly Blue last week, while Highland Tartan will be hoping to rebound.
Similarly, Dunolly Blue will be looking to bounce back on their home deck when they welcome Highland White, with the latter needing a result to keep in touch with the top four.
In division two, the game of the round pits second-placed Marybor-ough Golf against fifth-placed Maldon at Maldon.
Just 20 premiership points separate the two teams, so this result will have a big bearing either way on the makeup of the top four as the competition heads into the second half of the season.
Ladder-leaders Newstead Blue will be keen to continue stamping their authority on the season when they host Highland.
Highland are in desperate need of a result to keep in touch with the top four, while Newstead Blue are out to make it seven from seven.
Third-placed Carisbrook host Bridgewater, while fourth-placed Talbot host Dunolly Green. With Maldon and Maryborough Golf squabbling, wins for both teams will see them benefit either way, either closing the gap to second or clearing away from fifth.
Seventh meets eighth when Avoca hosts Dunolly Gold, with both teams in need of a win to keep themselves in with a chance to stay in the finals race.
Newstead White will have the bye, and take 16 premiership points.