The top tier of the Goulburn Valley Bowls Division weekend pennant ladder is already shaping up to be an extremely even competition this summer — and Shepparton Golf division one stalwart John Stokes agrees.
“When you look at a side like Tatura-Hill Top, they're going to be very competitive,” Stokes said.
“Tallygaroopna's a bit of an unknown still, but they'll be up there too.”
The Golfers tackle Stanhope this round and Stokes — fresh off securing a GVBD men's singles crown in a thrilling derby against teammate David Daws — is expecting a tough challenge.
“We played them in a practice game and I played there for about 20 years, it's where I'm from, so we know them pretty well,” he said.
“They're going to be really competitive this season, especially after making finals for the first time in 10 or 11 years last summer.”
Golf won three rinks in a 20-shot triumph over East Shepparton last week — while Stanhope went down to Kyabram by 17 shots.
“We've obviously got the two Trewren brothers (Connor and Mack) in this year, so they were very comfortable on East's green having come from there,” Stokes said.
“They've both fitted in really well as thirds under ‘Dawsy’ and ‘Orry’ (coach Brad Orr).
“I'm just happy to be out there playing bowls — it's been great after the year we've had.”
While the Golfers — as well as Tatura-Hill Top — sit atop the table undefeated after two rounds, Stanhope is among a quartet of teams with an even ledger.
But even if Stanhope is unable to unseat Golf on Saturday, skippers Shane Walsh, Tim Hancock, Brad Robinson and Rob Armstrong will know that every point counts against a side which does not hand them over lightly.
In many seasons past, finals spots have been decided by how many rinks a team was able to snatch from the minor premier — and the Golfers are hot favourites to occupy top spot once again this summer.
East Shepparton coach Brent Reiner managed to claim two points for his side against Golf last week, but will be looking for more when his side tackles Tatura-Hill Top in round three.
The Bulldogs had the better of Euroa last week by 14 shots.
The Magpies are still looking for their first win of the season, and will search for it again this weekend against Shepparton Park.
The Parkers felt the wrath of Tallygaroopna on the rebound in round two and will look to quickly put that fixture behind them.
Ash Williamson has been promoted to the top tier and will play third to Paul Warren, while in a shuffle of the magnets Paul Becroft will move from lead to third for coach Paul Nichols, sliding his other rinkmates up the bowling order.
Tallygaroopna heads to Kyabram for a tantalising fixture against the Bombers.
The Redlegs the competition saw last week look closer to what we expect from the promoted outfit this campaign, but Kyabram will be tough to beat on its home surface all season.
● Special guest on After The Jack — sponsored by Shepparton Bowls Shop — this week is GVBD publicity officer and Eagles skipper Daniel Nichols.
You can listen to the show at or on your favourite streaming platform.sheppnews.com.au/podcasts
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