Rochy’s finals push falls short

By Matthew Kappos

Feb 10, 2025

Kevin Burrow and Rochester weren’t able to advance to the semi-finals of the weekend pennant, defeated by Rich River in the final round. Photo: Matthew Kappos.

Plenty needed to go right for Rochester to secure a semi-final berth in the Campaspe Playing Area weekend pennant, but in the end, it was Rich River that played spoiler, defeating the locals to end their season regardless of other results.

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Rochester needed a win at Rich River Bowls Club, as well as for Mathoura to defeat Echuca but score fewer rinks than Rochy.

However, the host had other ideas, the wooden spooner ending its season on a high with a 14-57 to 2-51 win.

Eugene Xodo picked up the biggest win of the tie for Rich River, prevailing 24-15, while Tim Noar also skipped a successful rink, 20-18.

Tim Quinlan had success for Rochester, earning an 18-13 result, but it would be Rochy’s last won rink for the season as it ended the year in sixth.

As it turned out, Echuca scored the win over Mathoura, meaning a win by any margin for Rochester still wouldn’t have been enough to grab fourth place.

In division two, Rochester concluded its season with a win, picking up its fourth victory of the year, 14-73 to 2-54 over Rich River.

Kevin Hall skipped a huge win for his side, 35-14, to improve the margin of victory.

In division three, Lockington burst into the post-season with momentum, dominating Mathoura 16-74 to 0-43.

Locky finished fourth and will take on Echuca in an elimination final this weekend.

Rochester fell to Echuca in its final action of the campaign, going down 0-37 to 16-73.

Lockington will also feature in an elimination final in division four, finishing the regular season with a 12-64 to 4-56 win over Tongala.

Stanhope will be the assignment in the first week of finals, the loser’s season to be over.

Neither Rochester nor Lockington will feature in the division five post-season.

Rochester ended its year with a 12-45 to 2-37 victory over Elmore, while Lockington was on the wrong side of the ledger against Deniliquin, going down 0-22 to 14-55.

The division one and two semi-final rounds will be held at Rochester Bowls Club on Saturday.

Midweek pennant

One of Echuca, Moama, Mathoura and Stanhope will claim the title after Rochester became the final team eliminated from top-four contention.

Rochy was a full 16 points behind Stanhope but went down in its fixture by a single shot.

Rochester’s defeat came at the hands of Deniliquin, winning two rinks not enough to get it over the line as Deni won 12-46 to 4-45.

Brian Kinnane skipped a 17-13 successful rink for Rochester, while Rob Dennis also grabbed a win, 16-15.

However, Stephen O’Brien’s squad was able to take the day for Deniliquin, prevailing 18-12 to earn the overall win for their side.

In division two, Moama, Echuca, Deniliquin RSL and Rich River will be the final four after Rochester lost 16-85 to 0-37 to Moama, ending its hopes.

All six teams are still in contention for the top four in division three, Tongala Red and Lockington, both on 69 points, still a chance to catch Deniliquin RSL on 75.

This week Moama beat Tongala Red 12-42 to 2-39, Deniliquin RSL got the best of Echuca 12-36 to 2-34, and Elmore took down Lockington 12-51 to 2-31.

In division four, the last four is set with Rich River, Echuca, Stanhope and Lockington to feature in the post-season.

Rich River defeated Lockington 13-33 to 1-31 in round 13, while Echuca beat Rochester 14-50 to 0-24, and Tongala Red lost its opportunity to push for fourth, managing only a draw against Stanhope 7-39 all.