AFTER a gripping round of semi-final matches last Saturday, keen judges are none the wiser as to which club deserves favouritism in each of the divisions.
Division 1 matches saw a stirring battle between Cohuna Golf and Cohuna, with the latter prevailing by three due to a strong second half performance.
Frank Tonn’s rink was the standout for Cohuna, winning by eight shots, while Bluey Fletcher tried hard to balance the scoring, up by half a dozen.
Cohuna now has a spell for a week, while the Golf side travel across the river for the preliminary final.
The elimination final saw Kerang Golf depart the scene after a game display against Barham.
Frank Ritchie took the points in his game, but Brody Harker and Jason Lunghusen made the result a certainty, both winning substantially.
In second division there was somewhat of an upset in the second semi, with Kerang holding on to a slender lead against Cohuna Golf right until match end.
Ed Fenton set up the win, home by 14 shots, and although Golf won the other two rinks, the final tally saw Kerang home by just two shots.
The first semi-final was all one-way traffic with Barham eclipsing Cohuna across the three rinks.
A final margin of 50 gave some indication of Barham’s strength and they will face this week’s game with great confidence.
The third division matches saw yet another Barham team progress impressively to the grand final by defeating Kerang Golf, while Kerang remain a finalist with a hard-fought victory over Wakool.
Preliminary finals
BARHAM is the venue chosen to host all preliminary final games, a wise choice in retrospect to be under cover judging by early temperature forecasts.
In Division 1, Cohuna Golf has to face Barham and will need a more balanced performance on the carpet to head off the home side who would be expected to perform well, with most of their success riding on the rink of club coach Brody Harker.
The Division 2 game again features Cohuna Golf and Barham, and with little separating them on paper, a great battle looks forthcoming.
Golf will be looking for an improved performance from the Col Black rink, so good in earlier matches, while Barham’s Charlie Bagg spearheads that club’s best results.
Division 3 needs to find a challenger to the all-conquering Barham unit, and in the battle of the neighbours, Kerang might just have enough depth to reach the grand final by defeating Kerang Golf.
Jo Adams’ rink has been very consistent, while the all-lady side of Helen McBain has also done well.
