IN what was an exciting weekend of bowls action, Kerang have come away victorious against Cohuna Golf by eight points in a crucial match where the stakes couldn’t be any higher.
Coming into the weekend, ladder leaders Cohuna Golf were the clear favourites for the semi-final, despite them losing their final match of the season to Kerang the week before.
It was an even match however, as both Cohuna Golf rinks led by Jarred Hammond and Harrison Keely won in tight fashion.
Hammond’s rink was won 26 to 22 and Keely’s was won 24 to 23.
But it was Kerang’s Jason Lunghusen’s rink that made the key difference when it was won by nine shots, 33 to 24.
Kerang would end up being victorious with the side having 78 shots and eight points, while Cohuna Golf had 74 shots and four points.
Kerang will now proceed to the grand final, an incredible feat for the team, not only getting to the grand final but also defeating the top side twice.
For Cohuna Golf, they have to dust themselves off having two straight defeats and now will have to look towards the preliminary final against Murray Downs this weekend.
Across the green, Murray Downs faced off fourth placed side Barham to secure their spot in the preliminary final.
It was another cracking final, with Murray Downs winning two rinks led by Josh Thornton and Brian Lehmann.
Thornton’s 36-shot rink defeated Mark Quor’s 18-shot rink while Lehmann’s rink was a lot closer.
Only one-shot separated Lehmann’s 22-shot rink against Barhams’ Brody Harker who scored 21 shots.
Barham’s Brian Mansbridge’s rink managed to have a 13-shot win against John Caldwell’s rink with the final score 30 shots to 17 shots.
Murray Downs would pull away with the chocolates, having 75 shots and 10 points, while Barham had 69 shots and two points.
Murray Downs will proceed to the preliminary final to face up to a hungry Cohuna Golf side who will be eager to redeem their efforts and secure a place in the grand final.
Barham’s season has come to a close.
Despite the loss, Barham should be proud of the way they played in the inaugural Northern Valley Premier League, and will head into the next season with a belief they are capable of finals’ bowls.
The preliminary final will be played this weekend on Cohuna Bowling Club.
