Allan Matheson Shield | Tatura-Hill Top, East Shepparton clash headlines Weekend Pennant return

By Daniel Webb

Oct 26, 2022

Facing the unknown: Tatura-Hill Top’s Brendon Boyd said he was not sure what to expect from East Shepparton on Saturday. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

It is finally back.

After a delayed start to the season, Goulburn Valley Playing Area Weekend Pennant division one will return this weekend, as Allan Matheson Shield action gets under way.

A number of intriguing games are pencilled in around the rinks, with each team looking to start the season on the front foot.

Set to do battle at the Tatura Bowls Club, Tatura-Hill Top will welcome East Shepparton in what is sure to be an exciting clash.

The Saturday afternoon contest could go either way, with both teams making a number of changes from last season.

For Hill Top, the loss of the Cartwrights is a major out, while East has traded head coach Brent Reiner for Don Staggard.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Hill Top coach Brendon Boyd said East was a bit of an unknown.

“They’ve lost a few and we’ve had a few changes but you can never take anyone lightly,” Boyd said.

“We’ll have to wait and see I suppose, that’s part of bowls, you don’t really know until you get out there and have a crack.”

Back in action: Shepparton Golf skip Brad Orr will be hoping his side can start the season well on Saturday. Photo by Aydin Payne

Set to be missing some of its talent due to work and other commitments, Boyd said the side was “close” to where it wanted to be.

“Wins early in the season are really key to setting up the season,” he said.

“We don’t get too many points for the first couple of rounds so it really is important this week to try and get on the board and start off with a good win.”

The Hill Top mentor outlined that while bowls was back, it rightly was still not the priority for everyone involved.

“Our thoughts are with everyone involved with the floods,” he said.

“We’ve been fortunate where we are in Tatura to not be too badly affected but our thoughts go to everyone who’s been fairly well-affected by the floods.

“Bowls is a game of bowls but there are other things in life that are probably a bit more important at the moment.”

Elsewhere on Saturday afternoon, Shepparton Golf will be hoping it can start its season on a high against Stanhope.

Missing out on the title for the first time in six years last season, Golf is set to come out firing and Stanhope will need to be at its best to win.

Meanwhile at Shepparton Park, the home side will take on Mooroopna.

Newcomers to division one this season, the Cats will be searching for a statement win to begin their campaign, while Park will be hoping it can start its season without a hitch.

All of the weekend’s games are pencilled in for Saturday at 1pm.