Bowlers across the Goulburn Valley Playing Area were once again greeted with glorious sunshine on Saturday afternoon, as the 2022-23 weekend pennant season finally began to pick up momentum.
A host of gripping contests highlighted what was an enthralling round of action across the divisions, as the top contenders start to separate themselves from the pack.
In division two it was Tallygaroopna that delivered the most telling result, outlasting a brave Shepparton Park outfit 14-96 to 4-94 in a nail-biter at Shepparton Park.
Splitting the rinks, Tom Goodwin proved to be the difference for the victorious Redlegs, as he orchestrated a 23-14 win in rink two ‒ while Greg Rowan was also impressive for the visitors and produced a 30-23 victory in rink one.
Dennis Beck ensured Park was in the match for the entirety of proceedings, with his 30-20 effort in rink four almost enough to deliver his side a second win for the season.
Ladder-leader Shepparton Golf made a powerful statement, dismantling fellow top contender Kyabram 18-139 to 0-65 to take the mantle as division two’s only undefeated team.
East Shepparton catapulted into second spot with a commanding 16-116 to 2-71 triumph over Mooroopna Golf.
While Euroa rounded out the winners’ list with a comfortable 14-107 to 4-67 victory over Tatura-Hill Top.
A 11-92 to 7-92 draw between Shepparton Park and Avenel highlighted an enthralling round five in division three.
Park got the better of the Swans in rink victories, winning three of the four match-ups to seemingly take control of the contest.
But the dominance of Noel Slater in rink four would keep Avenel alive, with his 30-18 win enough to ensure the teams split the points.
Elsewhere, Nagambie opened its account with a hard-fought 16-94 to 2-82 win over Rushworth.
Seymour made it three straight wins as it punished Shepparton Golf 18-115 to 0-59, while Stanhope was equally as dominant in its 18-126 to 0-53 annihilation of Mooroopna.
Tatura-Hill Top continued its undefeated start to the division four season, besting Euroa 16-91 to 2-82 in a tight encounter at Hill Top.
Commanding the game from beginning to end, the Bulldogs were professional in their approach, securing three rink victories.
Ken Cornell was the star for the home team, orchestrating a 26-16 triumph in rink four in what was a clinical performance.
Kyabram was far too good for Seymour, sweeping the rinks to run away an 18-121 to 0-76 victor on its home green.
Tallygaroopna flexed its muscles with a 16-97 to 2-78 dismantling of Shepparton Park.
While Seymour VRI rounded out the action with a commanding 15-119 to 3-73 triumph over East Shepparton.
Division five had Alexandra, Dookie, Murchison and Seymour VRI claim victories, with Colbinabbin also taking the points courtesy of a Mooroopna Golf forfeit.
In division six it was Kyabram, Dookie, Yea and Euroa that made up the winners’ list.
While in division seven it was Avenel and Rushworth that recorded wins.