Allan Matheson Shield | Kyabram wary of resurgent Tatura-Hill Top

By Aydin Payne

Jan 19, 2022

In good form: Kyabram's John Hausler has been performing strongly. Photo by Megan Fisher

If the first round back from the Christmas break taught us anything, it’s not to underestimate any side in the Allan Matheson Shield.

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And that is the message being relayed at Kyabram ahead of its round nine encounter against a plucky Tatura-Hill Top.

Although more than 40 points separate the two outfits on the ladder, Kyabram’s chairman of selectors, Glenn Fields, understands his side must be on their toes on Saturday.

“I’ve said it for a while now, there are no easy games at the moment,” Fields said.

“They (Tatura-Hill Top) look like they are in good touch and have come into a bit of form. They got mighty close to Shepparton Golf last weekend, so we know it’s going to be a tough contest.

“Hopefully we’re up for the challenge and we can keep our momentum going.”

Tatura-Hill Top suffered a narrow three-shot loss to Goulburn Valley Playing Area’s powerhouse outfit Shepparton Golf last weekend.

The Bulldogs’ impressive and gutsy performance came during the same weekend as a shock upset.

East Shepparton climbed off the bottom of the table thanks to its classy win over Tallygaroopna — which is now fighting to regain second spot.

Kyabram seized the position and now holds a slender one-point margin against Tally.

“We want to try take advantage of the position we are now in and hold on to second spot going forward,” Fields said.

“The double chance really does set up your finals series.”

Kyabram enters this weekend off the back of a sublime effort against Euroa.

The Bombers almost walked away with the full 18 points but two narrow rink defeats saw them settle for 14 points in the 21-shot win.

John Hausler saluted 29-15, while Fields ran away with a 31-21 triumph.

Hausler has two wins, one loss and a draw from his four appearances as skip this season for the Bombers.

Meanwhile, Fields has led from the front and is currently ranked as the second best skip performer in the competition.

“It was nice to start the second half of the season with a good win,” Fields said.

“We could have easily walked away with 18 points, Paul (McInnes) and Greg (Shilling) had two tight losses by two shots and one shot respectively.”

The Bulldogs’ leading skips, Brendon Boyd and David Cartwright, will be important factors in this weekend’s hit-out at Kyabram.

Cartwright is fresh off a superb performance during midweek pennant, where he led the Bulldogs to victory over the previously undefeated Shepparton Golf.