Finals time has arrived in the Campaspe Area weekend pennant bowls competition after the last home-and-away round on Friday.
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Despite the top four already assured in division one, close contests highlighted the round.
None more so than at Mathoura, where Tongala emerged victorious by a solitary shot, 13-54 to 3-53.
Peter Holzer (Mathoura) and Steve Hammond (Tongala) played out a thrilling 19-all draw, meaning the other two rinks would decide the contest.
Mathoura’s Mark Quor held off Greg Lyon 21-19, but Bradley Tinning sealed the major points in Tongala’s favour after a 16-13 defeat of Mick Humphries.
The result saw Tongala close the gap on ladder-leader Rich River, but it was not enough to claim the minor premiership.
Rich River grabbed that mantle despite a 13-65 to 3-54 away loss to Echuca.
Echuca, who finished the regular season in fourth, displayed good form across all three rinks.
Jim Ferrier’s 27-15 defeat of Peter Nesbitt swung the battle into Echuca’s hands.
Rich River’s Stan Barker edged out Echuca rival Ian Page 17-16 in a humdinger of a match, while Steve Cunnington (Echuca) and Jason McCloy (Rich River) were locked at 22-all.
In the end, those two results were enough for Rich River to hang on to top spot with 127 points to Tongala’s 124.
Deniliquin ended a lean season on a good note with a 14-61 to 2-52 defeat of Rochester.
The win was the first of the season for Deni, with Jamie Shields and Paul Snare the winning skips.
John Weeks claimed the lone rink win for Rochy thanks to a 21-19 victory over Peter Chadderton.
In the opening week of the finals, Rich River and Tongala will play off in the second semi-final at Rochester.
The winner will progress through to the grand final, while the loser will play the victor of the first semi-final between Mathoura and Echuca, also at Rochester.
For the loser of that battle, it is season over.
Division two saw wins to Tongala, Deniliquin, Mathoura and Moama.
The Steamers closed out the regular season in top spot with the 14-67 to 2-51 defeat of Deniliquin RSL.
Alan Jones’ rink was in fine form for Moama, scoring a 27-12 win over Tony Tonta.
Trevor Eastwell proved the other winning skip, defeating Rod Reid 27-17.
Tongala defeated Rich River 14-55 to 2-47, highlighted by rink success to Stephen Tinning and Phillip Cooper.
Mathoura has missed the finals, but produced the surprise result of the round, a 16-75 to 0-47 demolition of Echuca at Echuca.
Beryl Murray scored a resounding 30-15 win against Wally Fehring and Pam Lewis defeated John Brown 26-14.
The closest rink saw Ray Murphy edge out Michelle Cunnington 19-18.
Deniliquin finished with the wooden spoon even after a 14-70 to 2-46 win against Rochester.
Semi-final action takes place at Mathoura with Moama and Echuca playing off for the first berth in the grand final, while it is season over for the loser of the Tongala and Rich River contest.
Division three featured wins to Lockington, Rich River, Moama and Deniliquin.
Semi-final action will be played at Echuca where minor premier Moama faces Lockington, while Rochester and Deniliquin fight to keep their season alive.
Division four was highlighted by wins to Mathoura, Rochester, Deniliquin RSL and Rich River.
Mathoura will be the venue for the semi-finals where Rich River and Moama meet in the grand final qualifier, while Deniliquin RSL takes on Mathoura for a spot in the preliminary final.
Kyabram, Echuca, Elmore, Deniliquin RSL and Moama were victors in division five.
Rich River is the venue for the semi-finals.
Moama and Deniliquin will line up in the second semi-final and the season will be done and dusted for the loser of the Kyabram and Echuca clash.
Gregor Mactaggart is the editor of the Riverine Herald.