Allan Matheson Shield | Gallery | East Shepparton records crucial upset win over Stanhope to enter finals calculations

By Zac Standish

Dec 11, 2022

In form: Jack Spencer proved the difference for East Shepparton in its win over Stanhope. Photo by Aydin Payne

After a tough start to the 2022-23 Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield season East Shepparton has finally begun to find its mojo.

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Welcoming an in-form Stanhope to East Shepparton Bowls Club, the Eagles were in sync from start to finish to record a 14-103 to 4-87 triumph.

For the third straight week Jack Spencer was the hero for East, as he orchestrated a decisive 38-10 win in rink one to almost single-handedly sink Stanhope.

A result that thrust the Eagles back into the intriguing race for fourth spot, experienced third Warren Bovell said it was a satisfying victory as the Christmas break nears.

“It was a great game played in great spirits, both sides were very determined and it showed on the green,” Bovell said.

“We got off to a very good start and built a nice lead, but to Stanhope’s credit they came at us very hard after smoko and put the pressure on, so to hold on in the end was pleasing.

“Being in that fight for fourth spot the result was really important as it brings us back close to Stanhope, Shepparton Park and Tatura-Hill Top.”

Outside of Spencer’s dominant victory, the match was tight as Stanhope managed to take two rinks off the home side.

Watching with intent: East's Allan Hueston. Photo by Aydin Payne

Ben Fletcher was particularly impressive for the Lions, engineering a 29-13 triumph in rink four to bring his side back into the contest, while Gregory Fitzpatrick was equally as impressive in rink three to record a 31-22 win for Stanhope.

Thankfully for the home side Daniel Nichols was able to hold his nerve, with a 30-17 victory ensuring East came away with the much-needed win.

The Eagles’ second win of the season and third in the space of three weeks, the result bumps them up to sixth on the ladder as they prepare for a return bout against Stanhope on the road this weekend.

Bovell explained the main factors behind East’s recent change in fortunes.

Cheering on the squad: East’s Daniel Nichols show his appreciation. Photo by Aydin Payne

“Jack Spencer’s inclusion has been pretty handy for us, coming in three weeks ago he’s come through with three big rink wins which have been big for us,” he said.

“But for us right now it is just one foot in front of the other, we’ve just gotta take things one week at a time and continue to grow on this recent solid patch of form.”

Elsewhere, Mooroopna almost caused the boil-over of the division one weekend pennant season, pushing ladder-leader Shepparton Golf all the way to narrowly fall six shots short.

Sending one down: Stanhope's Tim Hancock Photo by Aydin Payne

Splitting the rinks two apiece, it would end up being the class of coach Brett Foley that got Golf over the line for the 14-88 to 4-82 victory.

His 30-18 rink win coupled with a 26-17 victory by John Gribble in rink two was enough to see the Golfers home after Darren Kelly and Josh Grieve put the Cats in a position to produce an upset with memorable triumphs.

Tallygaroopna did what it had to do against a spirited Tatura-Hill Top and ground out a hard-fought 14-91 to 4-81 win on its home green.

Picture perfect: Stanhope’s Andrew Morris. Photo by Aydin Payne

Mitch Sidebottom proved the difference between the two sides, with his 27-13 win in rink two creating enough of a buffer for his Redlegs teammates to secure the victory.

While Kyabram continued on its merry way, easily accounting for Shepparton Park 14-98 to 4-67.

Despite splitting the rinks, the Bombers were able to ride the efforts of Geoffrey Beattie (29-10) and David Cartwright (32-11) to come away with the 31-shot victory.