For Tallygaroopna this Sunday’s division one weekend pennant Allan Matheson Shield grand final presents as an opportunity to write itself into the history books of Goulburn Valley bowls.
Fronting up against six-time reigning premier Shepparton Golf, this Redlegs squad could forever be known as the team that ended the region’s most successful dynasty and usher in a new era in the Goulburn Valley Playing Area.
And if you ask the brains trust at Tallygaroopna if they are ready for the challenge, the answer you will receive is a firm ‘yes’.
After enjoying a dominant season skipping for the Redlegs, Mark Ryan said the feeling among the group was one of positivity as it rode the wave of confidence following a dominant 17-118 to 1-69 win over Kyabram in last week’s preliminary final.
“The feel is really good, everyone is smiling around the club, yesterday we had really good numbers on the track and overall, we are just really looking forward to the contest on Sunday at Shepparton Park,” Ryan said.
“All rinks were excellent last week reeling off three wins and a draw, so we take a lot of confidence out of the way we performed, and we come into this game with no fear and ready to take it right up to Golf.”
But while this Tallygaroopna side has achieved a lot over the course of the season, Shepparton Golf is the one obstacle it hasn’t been able to overcome, falling by four shots, 13 shots and 15 shots in their three meetings this year.
Ryan said his team was not fazed by these recent shortcomings and was confident it could take it right up to the Golf juggernaut.
“We know every time we play them it is a tough encounter, and we obviously respect them and their ability, but we don’t fear them at the moment,” he said.
“There are a few areas we need to tweak which could counteract some of the areas where we have missed against them in the past, focusing on things like front end pressure will be crucial for us if we are able to pull off the upset.
“We know we are capable with the group we have to be able to beat them on the day if we perform at our best, they are great side, but the pressure is firmly on us to bowl to our lofty standards.”
Along with the town of Tallygaroopna being behind them, much of the Goulburn Valley bowls fraternity will likely be supporting the Redlegs squad this weekend, hoping to see the reign of Golf come to an end.
“Everyone is wishing us well as the underdog is often the side everyone cheers for, so we are going in with that mentality but also with confidence we have the squad that can do the job,” Ryan said.
“The weight of the rest of the clubs is great encouragement and we are grateful for the well wishes that’s for sure.”