Allan Matheson Shield | Shepparton Park jumps into second on weekend of surprise results

By Aydin Payne

Nov 19, 2023

Shepparton Park is the big winner following a weekend full of surprises in the Allan Matheson Shield.

Kyabram knocked off Tallygaroopna in the headline draw by 17 shots at Kialla, but it was the Parkers who were left thanking Brent Reiner and co as they leapfrogged both sides into second spot on the ladder.

Just as Kyabram was handing Tallygaroopna its second straight defeat, Park ― less than 50m away at the same venue ― was trying its hardest to hold out a gallant Mooroopna.

Mooroopna would pinch two rink wins and draw another as the hosts edged it out by six shots in a thrilling contest.

The 13-93 to 5-87 triumph gave Shepparton Park enough points to jump into second spot behind ladder leading Shepparton Golf.

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Young talent time: Kyabram's Charlie Boswood. Photo by Aydin Payne

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On its way: Tallygaroopna's Joey Lia. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Down on one knee: Kyabram's David Cartwright. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Focused: Kyabram's Robert George. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Working his magic: Tallygaroopna's Mitch Sidebottom Photo by Aydin Payne

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Line it up: Kyabram's Brent Reiner. Photo by Aydin Payne

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In deep thought: Tallygaroopna's Guy Madigan. Photo by Aydin Payne

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On the mat: Kyabram's Josh Cartwright. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Winding up: Tallygaroopna's Mark Ryan. Photo by Aydin Payne

The Bombers went into their clash with a 3-2 record, knowing that another loss would widen the gap between them and the top outfits.

And it was playing coach Brent Reiner who set the tone.

The skip, with teenage third Charlie Boswood showing talent beyond his years, took it up to Mitch Sidebottom’s rink and pulled away to clinch a 27-13 victory.

That momentum flowed into Robert George’s rink, who stared at an 18-11 deficit with less than 10 ends to play.

George, Henry Boswood, Jamie Stokes and Hayden Crilly clawed their way back to clinch a brilliant 27-18 rink win.

It was that never say die attitude that impressed Reiner the most.

“They were 10 in front just before the break and then it got back to five or seven at the break. We just started gelling, things started to change,” Reiner said.

“Robbie George’s rink was down 18-11 ... and then went on to win 27-18 ― they just never gave up.

“We’re a relatively new group, you can see we’re starting to gel and there’s only bigger and brighter things ahead.

“We’re right in it, there’s no real clear favourite at the moment.”

Reiner stressed how proud he was of teenage skip Josh Cartwright, who battled hard against Tallygaroopna star David Daws.

“I’m more pleased with how Josh performed, coming up against Dawsy, he can get a hold of you, especially when he gets his tail up,” Reiner said.

“Dawsy got to a 10-nil lead and I’m just proud of how Josh was able to hold his composure and he only got beat by eight or nine in the end, which was great. He’s evolving each week as a skip in division one and it’s fantastic to see.”