Another chapter in the growing rivalry between Shepparton Golf and Tallygaroopna will be written this weekend when the two sides headline a bumper round of Allan Matheson Shield action.
The two recent premiers of the Goulburn Valley Playing Area weekend division one pennant competitions go head-to-head in a Saturday twilight fixture at Shepparton Golf.
Both outfits head into the round five clash unbeaten on four wins.
It will be the first contest between the pair since Golf defeated Tally in the final round of last season by a narrow two shots.
Tallygaroopna’s chairman of selectors David Daws said the outfit was feeling upbeat ahead of the clash against the reigning premier.
“The boys are very excited, a lot are playing good bowls at the moment and they’re all very excited for this weekend,” Daws said.
“We know they’re just another team we have got to beat, it doesn’t matter who it is, they are no different and we go in there head down and focused on the task in front of us.
“Like I said earlier, it’s just heads down, bums up, focus on getting bowls in the head and don’t go getting caught up in the occasion. If everyone plays their part we know the result will take care of itself ... I think there’ll be a bit of support from both clubs, you never know, people might come down after pennant finishes to watch the top-of-the-table clash.
“Hopefully there’s a big showing to watch two quality sides go at it.”
Shepparton Golf coach Brad Orr, speaking after his side’s 10-shot win over Kyabram last weekend, said the build-up to the clash against Tally wouldn’t change to previous weeks.
“Our preparation will be no different. We won’t change anything,” Orr said.
“(Next week) it will be a 4pm start out at Shepp Golf, the club’s first twilight game. I actually don’t think anyone in the league has done a twilight game before, so we’re hoping to get a big crowd down there for what should be a good game.”
Allan Matheson Shield tips
East Shepparton v Kyabram
Shepparton Golf v Tallygaroopna
Mooroopna v Tatura-Hill Top
Euroa v Shepparton Park
Tyler Maher (News editor)
Kyabram, Shepparton Golf, Mooroopna, Euroa.
Last week: 3. Total: 13.
Brian Nisbet (After the Jack)
Kyabram, Shepparton Golf, Tatura-Hill Top, Shepparton Park.
Last week: 4. Total: 14.
Ash Williamson (After the Jack)
East Shepparton, Shepparton Golf, Tatura-Hill Top, Euroa.
Last week: 3. Total: 11.
Aydin Payne (News sports editor)
Kyabram, Tallygaroopna, Tatura-Hill Top, Shepparton Park.
Last week: 4. Total: 12.
Liam Nash (News sports reporter)
Kyabram, Shepparton Golf, Tatura-Hill Top, Shepparton Park.
Last week: 4. Total: 14.
Jesse Robertson-Torres (News sports reporter)
Kyabram, Tallygaroopna, Tatura-Hill Top, Shepparton Park.
Last week: 3. Total: 11.
Tallygaroopna goes into this weekend’s clash boasting three of the leading top-five skips in the competition.
Mark Ryan, Mitch Sidebottom and Daws have been in top form, with Ryan’s rink showing no mercy against the opposition with a whopping shot differential of 57.
Tally, who was knocked out of last year’s finals race in the preliminary final, have been ruthless in the opening month of action.
An incredible 60-shot thrashing to begin the year was followed by a comprehensive 45-shot blitz over Shepparton Park.
Daws pointed out that the closeness of the playing group had flowed into its early efforts out on the greens.
“I think just the solidarity of the team to be honest,” Daws said.
“We’re all going through a lot with the green at Tallygaroopna out of action and so we’ve really had to band together and we’re all going towards a common goal which is to have success later this season.”
Elsewhere, Kyabram will take on East Shepparton on Friday at 6pm.
Mooroopna will face Tatura-Hill Top and Euroa is still chasing its first win of the campaign with a home match against Shepparton Park.