Gallery | Golf passes first test, Park piles pain onto Eagles in Allan Matheson Shield action

By Aydin Payne

Nov 5, 2023

On a roll: Shepparton Park’s Paul Becroft in action during his side’s round four win over rival East Shepparton. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton Golf playing coach Brad Orr was happy with his side’s performance in its first big test of the Allan Matheson Shield season, while Shepparton Park piled on the pain to a rival in round four action.

Orr was proud of the effort to grind out a 16-94 to 2-84 triumph over Kyabram in a replay of last year’s grand final.

Unlike its previous three hit-outs, Golf was made to work hard by the young Bombers ― with two rinks decided by six shots or less.

The reigning premier’s 10-shot triumph has it extend its unbeaten start to the Goulburn Valley Playing Area weekend pennant season and sets up a huge clash against rival Tallygaroopna this weekend.

“I’m always pleased to get the win, we desperately needed to get a test after three easy wins to start the season,” Orr said.

“We knew the next two weeks (against Kyabram and Tallygaroopna), we were going to see where we are at, playing against quality outfits.

“It was always going to be a tight game; there’s three or four sides that can win it (this year). It was tight during the game, we withstood their challenges and that was really pleasing.”

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On its way: Shepparton Park's Kerri Leask. Photo by Megan Fisher

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In the zone: East Shepparton's Vern Wright. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Down low: East Shepparton's Chris Johnson. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Focused: Shepparton Park's Ray Sellwood. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Been running up that hill: Shepparton Park's Kate Bush. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Willo time: East Shepparton's Ash Williamson. Photo by Megan Fisher

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Line it up: East Shepparton's Gary Lovell. Photo by Megan Fisher

Orr highlighted that his rink’s lead Brad Robinson had a “solid game” and performed well.

Robinson’s efforts allowed Garry Russell, Wayne Dagger and Orr to flex their muscles and claim a 31-21 rink win.

The playing coach pointed out his side’s consistency across the day was one of the most pleasing aspects of the win.

“I think our consistency,” Orr said.

“We have been struggling to be consistent, so it was nice to build good heads and that allowed our back end bowlers to really attack.

“Brad played well in my rink, he had a really solid game. It’s hard to watch how others, who aren’t playing your rink perform, but him in particular stood out.”

Young Kyabram skip Josh Cartwright and his rink were the pick of Kyabram’s performers with a 26-19 triumph over Brett Gunning’s rink the standout.

Around the greens, Shepparton Park dealt East Shepparton another heavy blow.

The Eagles suffered a deflating 16-106 to 2-84 loss to keep them locked to the bottom of the ladder.

Paul Nichols (38-22) led the way for Park, while Shane Walsh (29-18) and Jeff Boyle (26-13) contributed strongly.

Ash Williamson (31-13) and his rink flew the flag for East Shepparton.

Tatura-Hill Top has kept the pressure on Shepparton Park and sits six points behind the fourth-placed outfit following a 31-shot drubbing of Euroa.

The Bulldogs claimed three rink wins in the 16-108 to 2-77 victory.

Lastly, Tallygaroopna blew past Mooroopna 15-110 to 3-84 thanks to the efforts of skip David Daws and his rink.

Daws and co flexed their muscles to claim a 43-18 thumping win.

However, Mooroopna managed to pinch a rink win through Paul Warren (30-18) and Josh Warren’s rink tied things up with Mitch Sidebottom’s rink (21-21).