For the second week in a row the Allan Matheson Shield has delivered another gripping contest decided on the final end.
Saturday’s enthralling round nine clash between Tatura-Hill Top and East Shepparton was decided by one shot, a victory that Bulldogs coach Scott Adams described as “pretty intense”.
The Bulldogs arrived at East Shepparton with the favourites tag, yet the home side had other ideas as it almost pulled off another Goulburn Valley Playing Area weekend division one upset.
Played under the roof at East Shepparton, the visitors were slow out of the blocks and jumped by the host which led at smoko.
However, it took some brilliance from Nick Boyd’s rink to defeat East skip Ash Williamson and deny the Eagles a fairytale maiden win of the campaign.
It was an important 15-97 to 3-96 win from the Bulldogs, one that keeps them locked in fifth spot on the ladder as the competition enters the Christmas break.
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On its way: Shepparton Park's Shane Walsh. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
On the mat: Shepparton Park's Bree Warren. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Line it up: Tallygaroopna's Brian Hogg. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Happy days: Tallygaroopna's Kyle Pugh. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Down low: Tallygaroopna's Mick Hanna. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Lit it fly: Shepparton Park's Geoff Boyle. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
In the zone: Shepparton Park's Graeme Myers. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Focused: Tallygaroopna's Terry Lea-Whyte. Photo by Rechelle Zammit“I said to the boys, ‘I think I aged 10 years watching Nick’s rink finish off’,” Adams said as he recounted the final moments of the thrilling encounter.
“It was tight. Ash did really well, he held well, he killed the end and then off they went again. We were holding one and then their third kicked the kitty across and I thought they were holding three at that stage.
“But once they got the measure tape out they only got one, so we held on to win by one.
“It wasn’t what we wanted, or intended ... I knew we would have trouble adjusting on the indoor carpet. We had to make sure we get bowls in the head, bowls behind, but unfortunately we did the opposite and started off slow.
“I always knew East Shepp would come out firing.”
The home side got the jump on the Bulldogs and led by “six or so” shots at the main break.
Adams said he had a quick word with his contingent before play resumed.
“I just said, ‘’okay, we’re not far away ... let’s stay positive, we’ve adjusted to the green now and let’s do what you do best’,” he said.
It certainly paid off for one of his side’s rinks.
Boyd’s rink, fresh off a poor outing against Tallygaroopna, was up against East’s standout rink of the season.
John Attwood, Angie Serra, Seth Tziros and Boyd did enough to run out 27-20 victors.
“It was (crucial), especially after last week’s effort. Nick was very disappointed, but it happens to the best of us,” Adams said.
“But he had a good win, it was a really tight game.”
The importance of Saturday’s one-shot triumph isn’t lost on Adams.
His side now sits only seven shots behind fourth-placed Shepparton Park — which suffered a heavy defeat against Tallygaroopna.
Coincidentally, the Bulldogs will take on Park when the competition returns from its break on January 20.
“We knew we had to have a win before Christmas to put us in contention (of the top four),” Adams said.
“If we can beat Park first game back then we’ll be back into fourth.
“We had to win (on Saturday) and we just got up, a win is a win, and it would have been a different story if we did go down.”