Shepparton Golf has completed back-to-back meetings against its fellow Allan Matheson Shield contenders ― with undesirable results.
Tallygaroopna (10-2) avenged defeat from earlier this season and snatched top spot in the process with a big 16-94 to 2-78 win over the regular premiership favourite.
Mitch Sidebottom continued his run as one of the Goulburn Valley’s most in-form bowlers as his rink scooped a heavy win.
Sidebottom’s rink set the table for a result that puts Golf (9-3) on the back foot for the first time this season.
There was an unfortunate irony for Guy Madigan, who skipped the only winning rink in Tallygaroopna’s loss to Golf in round five.
This time, Madigan’s rink was the only one not to win on an otherwise excellent day for his side.
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Away it goes: Shepparton Golf's Kristoffer Ferguson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 9
Measured approach: Shepparton Golf's Glenn Power. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 9
On the green: Shepparton Golf's Brett Gunning. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 9
High-stakes situation: Shepparton Golf's Brad Orr. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 9
All over it: Shepparton Golf's John Stokes. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 9
With force: Tallygaroopna's Brian Hogg. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 9
And we're rolling: Tallygaroopna's Brandon Baldwin. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 9
Assessment: Tallygaroopna's Rodney Still. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 9 of 9
Getting behind it: Tallygaroopna's Chris Cooney. Photo by Rechelle ZammitNonetheless, the implications are immense, with Kyabram (10-2) set to host a showdown that could decide the minor premiership in itself.
David Daws was happy with the scenes, but recognises there is work to do yet.
“The boys went in knowing the next two weeks were really big games and we would have to win both to secure a double chance,” Daws said.
“I can’t remember if we’ve beaten Golf in a regular season game for some time.
“It shows people that we’re here and that we can back it up towards the pointy end.
“I think (finishing top two) is going to come down to how we perform next week at Kyabram.
“Our fate is in our hands; we’ll go in confident in our own ability and just see how our bowls go on the day.”
However, Daws says there will not necessarily be an extensive rev-up or special treatment ahead of such an important affair.
The top spot may be in Tallygaroopna’s hands for now, but the situation is business as usual for the time being.
“It’ll be no different to what we spoke about before yesterday,” Daws said.
“These are the teams in front of us and they’re who we have to beat.
“Everyone has to do the right thing for each other and, hopefully, if we play well on the day, that’ll be enough for us.
“It’s giving (our squad) the confidence that they can do it not just in finals, but to perform in home and away games.”
Kyabram was universally expected to notch its 10th win and did just that, not blowing East Shepparton (0-12) off the greens, but powering through a 16-96 to 2-85 victory.
Meanwhile, Tatura-Hill Top (7-5) kept the race for fourth place fiery, dispatching Mooroopna (2-10) in relative comfort at Tatura Bowls Club.
Shepparton Park (7-5) has stayed hot on the heels sitting eight points back in fifth, though, after overcoming Euroa (3-9) 16-107 to 2-96 and setting up a frenetic final fortnight in the finals race.