Sport
Shepparton Golf sets up heavyweight Matheson Shield grand final rematch in dominant fashion
The Goulburn Valley Playing Area Allan Matheson Shield grand final is all set with a big statement made Saturday.
Shepparton Golf needed a big rebound win after falling to rival Tallygaroopna in a tough semi-final, but made a rather pointed example out of Shepparton Park in Saturday’s preliminary final.
In establishing a grand final rematch with Tallygaroopna the Golfers blew Park out of the water with a full-throttle display.
Despite dropping one rink to Park’s Paul Nichols by three shots, the other three skips never relented in notching the biggest margin of victory in this season’s finals, prevailing 16-118 to 2-68.
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Cool customer: Shepparton Golf's John Gribble. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 10
Up against it: Shepparton Park's Ray Sellwood. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 10
Getting a feel for it: Shepparton Park's Kerri Lesk. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 10
Lift-off: Shepparton Golf's Connor Trewren. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 10
Loaded up: Shepparton Park's Jeff Boyle. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 10
With intent: Shepparton Park's Shane Walsh. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 10
Down the line: Shepparton Park's Kate Bush. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 10
Enjoying himself: Shepparton Golf's Brad Orr. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 10
Follow through: Shepparton Golf's Ben Fletcher. Photo by Megan FisherImage 10 of 10
Launching place: Shepparton Park's Brian Hall. Photo by Megan FisherThe game was also notable for being Golf’s third win of the 2023-24 campaign by 50 shots or more in a season featuring some bulldozing results offset by defeats in the most challenging moments.
At the end of the day, though, Golf returns to Tatura Bowls Club this week with another title on the line — and Brad Orr is on a high after that outing.
“It’s probably the best performance we’ve put together all year,” Orr said.
“If we bring that energy into next week, we’ll take some stopping.
“Tally has beaten us the last two encounters by only a handful of shots, so we’re definitely in the mix.
“Coming off yesterday, with our energy and effort, we’ll be well and truly in it.”
It shapes as a fruitful week in the offing for Golf, with plenty to focus on beyond the Matheson Shield pennant.
Golf's division two side will meet Tallygaroopna for another league title in an earlier clash on Saturday at Tatura, setting up a fascinating double-header.
As Golf’s midweek pennant side gears up for its grand final Tuesday, the club is riding a major wave of momentum.
“Belief has never been an issue out there, but the feeling around the club is great,” Orr said.
“Hopefully, everyone gets up and about.
“We”ve changed our teams around since we last played Tally, but we won“t dive in or read into the previous results too much.”
It’s a hectic time of year for the top GVPA representatives, with plenty of outside competitions and events to juggle alongside the club games.
Orr says this should have little bearing on the energy levels come grand final time, though.
“Everyone knows that you do take up a lot of your weekend if you’re doing those events successfully,” Orr said.
“Usually, the people who go on are pretty successful bowlers whose bodies are accustomed to what they’re going through.”