Sport

Allan Matheson Shield | Euroa bounces back with stirring road win against East

By Aydin Payne

Nov 14, 2021

Perfectly balanced: East’s Mick McLean. Photo by Megan Fisher

Euroa bounced back from its Allan Matheson Shield opening round loss in style on Saturday.

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And it all came down to one emerging skip.

Shane Drysdale led the Magpies to an eye-catching 13-shot victory on the road against East Shepparton in round two of the Goulburn Valley Playing Area top-tier season.

In only his second game as skip and in trying conditions, Drysdale displayed experience beyond his years to guide Euroa to victory.

Spinning a yarn: Euroa’s Jan Watters. Photo by Megan Fisher

With his rink looking down for the count at the break, a monumental turnaround on the outside carpet at East Shepparton saw the visitors clinch a 16-86 to 2-73 triumph.

“It was a very pleasing win. It’s always nice to get an early win on the board,” Euroa skip Ken Sutcliffe said.

“There was a big comeback from our fourth rink after they were down all day. Shane’s rink were behind at lunch and then turned things around after the break.

“I don’t think Beattie’s (Geoff Beattie) rink scored too many times after lunch so it was a great performance from Shane and his rink. It turned the game around in our favour.”

Working his magic: Euroa’s Shane Drysdale. Photo by Megan Fisher

Sutcliffe praised the performance of his side’s newest skip.

“Shane’s only been playing bowls for the past two and a half years,” he said.

“He used to play golf all the time but he’s a bit of a natural sportsman and he’s fitted in seamlessly.

“Natural progression has seen him end up skippering a rink this season and with the help from John (Groat) he’s doing a fine job.”

Focused: East’s Geoff Beattie. Photo by Megan Fisher

Euroa excelled on the outside carpet to salute in three of the four rinks.

Andy Houston (20-15) kicked things off with a win, while Anthony Kingma (23-16) prevailed over his counterpart.

Sutcliffe’s rink was defeated by the Eagles’ John Gribble (22-20).

On the mat: East’s Chris Johnson. Photo by Megan Fisher

The result sees Euroa shift up into fourth spot on the table on 30 points.

East has slumped to the bottom of the table with no wins to its name.

“To have three of the four rinks get up was terrific,” Sutcliffe said.

“The weather was terrible; it was cold and windy with moments of rain. At least we were able to get a game in which is the important thing.”

Around the division one greens, Tallygaroopna flexed its muscles against Stanhope.

The Broccolis were steaming hot against Stanhope and produced an emphatic 18-116 to 0-68 victory.

Mitch Sidebottom enjoyed a comfortable 35-16 win, while David Daws (27-17), Mark Ryan (30-13) and Liam Crapper (24-22) all saluted on the day.

Bright career ahead: East’s Jacob Brighton. Photo by Megan Fisher

Elsewhere, Shepparton Golf moved into equal first position following its 16-100 to 2-84 triumph over Shepparton Park.

The Golfers breezed past with three rink wins, however, Park’s Paul Nichols (25-24) got the job done to ensure the visitors walked away with some points.