There is renewed life in the race for fourth spot in the Goulburn Valley Bowls Division's Allan Matheson Shield.
The weekend pennant division one possible finals contingent was on the verge of being whittled down to six outfits, but a stirring round nine victory for Stanhope has kept it well and truly in the running.
Now less than a clean-sweep win outside the top half of the table after a 14-103 to 4-71 win over Kyabram, Stanhope will take plenty of confidence into the back end of the season — especially following last summer's magical run to a preliminary final.
Brad Robinson (35-15) and Geoff Mulcahy (27-11) did the damage for the victors, with Rob George (23-22) and Greg Shilling (22-19) claiming what will be crucial points for the Bombers.
● Tallygaroopna has moved into second spot on the table after storming the fortress that was Shepparton Park's home carpet on Saturday.
The Redlegs won two rinks to take out a 14-84 to 4-71 triumph.
It was Mitch Sidebottom (27-10) and Brett Gunning (24-11) steering the ship for the visitors, while for the Parkers’ Paul Nichols (27-17) and Paul Warren (23-16) snared rink success.
● East Shepparton finished within striking distance of Shepparton Golf, but only managed two points for its efforts.
The Golfers were again too strong across the board in the 16-96 to 2-81 result as Brad Orr (31-17) continued to dominate on the green.
David Daws (24-19) and Kris Ferguson (25-21) also had rink wins for the Golfers as Geoff Beattie (24-16) snared two points for the Eagles.
● Tatura-Hill Top climbed up the ladder after a huge win over Euroa, despite dropping a rink in the clash.
The 56-shot triumph for the Bulldogs came on the back of rink wins to Garry Russell (40-11), Russell Locke (36-15) and David Cartwright (34-20).
Ken Sutcliffe (30-22) secured two points for the Magpies.
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