Sport
Allan Matheson Shield | Shepparton Golf has eyes set on seventh straight division one crown
For Shepparton Golf there is nothing unique about an Allan Matheson Shield grand final.
Dominating the division one weekend pennant competition for the best part of a decade, coach Brad Orr and his squad will embark on their seventh straight premiership match-up on Sunday afternoon, with a hungry Tallygaroopna side the only thing standing between them and destiny.
While the results have been largely the same as past seasons, Golf has had a new cast of characters on the green in 2021-22, with the likes of Brett Foley adding to what was already a local bowls juggernaut.
Enjoying a week off after defeating Tally 14-98 to 4-83 in the second semi-final, Orr said his team was in a great place ahead of Sunday’s decider.
“The feeling around the club is pretty stock-standard to be honest, most of us have been there before and know what the build up and extra pressure is like — we are now just itching at the bit to hit the green on Sunday,” Orr said.
“We are confident in our own ability, but we know we can’t rely on that, come Sunday we still need to play our best bowls to get the result and I have complete faith in our group that we will do that.”
In what is a replay of last year’s decider, Shepparton Golf has had the wood over the Redlegs in recent times, reeling off three tight wins in their three encounters this season.
Orr said his squad took a lot of confidence out of those performances with all the pressure being on Tallygaroopna as it pushed for that elusive premiership.
“We look back at what’s worked well in our past encounters with them, areas that we can improve on and where we can expose them, so the boys do take some confidence out of that but know we still have one game to go,” he said.
“To be honest I think all the pressure is on Tallygaroopna, they made a huge recruiting spree at the start of the year trying to get that premiership and I think some of their big recruits do need to stand up on the day if they are going to win.
“No doubt they will be feeling that pressure as well and it should be a great contest come Sunday at Shepparton Park.”
This grand final will be more special than the past six for Orr, as he officially steps down as coach of the division one team and hands the reins to Foley.
He said he was as determined as ever to end his coaching tenure on a high.
“I couldn’t be happier to have someone like Brett take over as coach, I have had seven years at the reins and I’m big believer of not wanting the club to go backwards, so the timing is right for me to step aside,” he said.
“All of my focus is on getting this win on Sunday and fingers crossed we can get it done.”