Stanhope made full use of its miraculous entry to Allan Matheson Shield finals on Saturday, winning through to the preliminary final in a thrilling encounter.
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Having made up 18 points on the last day of the regular season to even quailfy for the post-season, it made full use of its opportunity by knocking off East Shepparton in the semi-final, winning 107-102.
The Lions have now won six of their past eight matches to present themselves as one of the league's most in-form sides — and club president Dave Millard said things were looking good for the entire club.
“It was huge. Our side has been quietly confident with the way we've been performing, it's just a huge achievement for the club,” he said.
“And our division five and six sides are both in the grand final now, it's been huge.”
Stanhope took three of the four rinks to build its advantage, with Shane Walsh (29-17), Brad Robinson (27-22) and Tim Hancock (30-29) winning, although Macca Trewren did his best to keep East in the contest with a 34-21 triumph.
Millard said the win had been impressive — and perhaps the best of the year — but there was still plenty of room for improvement.
“You'd have to say yes, although we have won six of our last eight matches. Our confidence and ability has been stepping up each week, it's just awesome,” he said.
“Talking with everyone, we all thought we didn't bowl that well — we all think we can bowl better. It was a total team effort and everyone stepped up when that was needed.”
The Lions will now face Shepparton Park in the preliminary final and the president was stinging for the match to start.
“We can't wait — start it now,” he said.
“The whole club is confident we can do it.”
Park once again struggled to match it with the might of Shepparton Golf, with the Golfers winning through to another grand final 111-86.
The sides split the four rinks, but Golf coach Brad Orr did the business for his side, winning his rink 41-16 to put the side in the box seat.
David Daws also had a double-digit win, taking down Paul Nichols 29-18, although Paul Warren (23-22) and Denis Smyth (29-19) looked strong for Park.
Park will now need to knock off Stanhope if it is to continue its pursuit of a first division one title since 2015.
● In division two play, Tallygaroopna copped one almighty scare before moving through to the grand final.
The overwhelming title favourite hung on to win 88-85 and avoid the shock result, with Mark Ryan (26-13) and Joey Lia winning their rinks.
Shepparton Golf icon Graeme ‘'Graeme” Myers put the team on his shoulders and tried to carry it to victory, knocking off Matt Robertson 30-18.
The Golfers will try and earn their rematch against Tatura, after it upset Shepparton Park in Saturday's elimination final.
Tatura's John Attwood took Ashleigh Williamson to school, teaching him a lesson in a 38-11 rink win, while Jason Carter was also in great form.
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