Goulburn Valley Playing Area | Round one | Weekend lower divisions wrap

By Zac Standish

Nov 7, 2021

Starting strong: Jean Sprague was critical in Rushworth’s nail-biting win over Tatura-Hill Top in division two. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Bowls finally kicked off in the region over the weekend, with the Goulburn Valley Playing Area Weekend Pennant competitions throwing up a number of exciting encounters.

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The pick of the division two match-ups would be Rushworth’s (13-93) thrilling win over Tatura-Hill Top (5-89).

A dominant 10-shot win by Jean Sprague, Barry Thomson, Geoffrey Durston and Sue Moreton would prove to be the difference in a match that went right down to the wire.

Tatura-Hill Top had the ascendancy when it came to rinks won, with Phil Boyd and Peter Wallis leading their teams to four and two-shot wins respectively, but it would not be enough as the third rink ended up being a draw – handing Rushworth an exciting triumph.

East Shepparton got their season off to a win in exciting fashion, defeating Mooroopna Gold 16-87 to 2-84.

Losing three of the four rinks, Golf would stay in the contest courtesy of a 13-shot win by Craig O’Shannessy’s team – but it wouldn’t be enough as consistent production from the remainder of the East Shepparton squad saw them hold on for the victory.

Mooroopna proved too good for Shepparton Park with a 14-93 to 4-81 victory despite the rinks being split at two apiece.

Shepparton Golf was clinical against Kyabram, coming out 18-121 to 0-67 winners in the round’s only genuine blow out.

Mooroopna (12-90) would sneak past Tallygaroopna (6-86) in a tight division three encounter, despite only winning one of the four rinks.

The rink four team of Stewart Florence, Ian Ponting, Margaret Florence and Deb Dunkley would prove the difference for Mooroopna, with the 35-15 triumph enough to lift the team to victory.

Avenel was clinical in its performance against East Shepparton, easily winning in three of the rinks to come away with a 16-103 to 2-80 win.

Shepparton Park enjoyed a comprehensive 16-109 to 2-75 win over rivals Shepparton Golf with Doug Freeman, Wesley Gibbs and Murray Phillips all snaring rink wins.

Meanwhile Seymour was far too good for Stanhope in the last of the round one matches, prevailing 16-111 to 2-76 with three rink wins.

Division four action was highlighted by an enthralling contest between Tatura-Hill Top and Euroa, where the Bulldogs saluted with a 14-84 to 4-84 win.

With each team claiming two rinks apiece, an 11-shot win by Paul Kerrins’ squad in rink four would end up being the difference.

A 22-shot win by Jan Wesselman’s team in rink three would be enough for Seymour to overcome Shepparton Park, as they came away 13-96 to 5-86 despite that being their only triumph of the day.

Nagambie was ruthless in their clash with Kyabram, winning three rinks and drawing a fourth to come away 17-122 to 1-95 victors.

Seymour VRI closed out proceedings with a 18-115 to 0-74 whitewash of Dookie.