On a day of fluctuating fortunes, the result went down to the wire, with Deniliquin taking out the win literally on the final end.
John Murray’s team of Ian Chessells, Chery Bradley and Jenny Tonta were locked in a tight tussle, leading 12/11 after the 14th end. They then strung together four winning ends, scoring 13 shots to lead 25/11 after 19.
Moama then grabbed a game high six on the penultimate end, which put pressure on the other Deniliquin rink who were trailing in their game.
‘Titch’ Salter, Wayne Bradley, Dawn McCulloch and Noel Murray had a horror start, down 11/0 after just four ends. However, they clawed ground back steadily to trail 22/15 with the last end to play.
With the final end to be played on each rink, Deniliquin led by the barest margin 40/39.
John Murray and his team conceded a single shot, and the game was tied at 40/40 but the neighbouring Deniliquin rink powered home, scoring a last end four to ensure the overall team victory 44/40.
It was a wonderful team victory, encouraged and supported by a large and vocal group of supporters.
Deniliquin will now face the winners of the Moama/Tongala clash in the grand final at Rich River on Tuesday March 10.
Weekend pennant finals
Deniliquin Bowling Club will be firmly in the spotlight tomorrow as weekend pennant preliminary finals take centre stage, with one of the highlights being an all-Deni clash in Division 5 at Lockington.
Both Deni White and Deni Blue will line up against each other with a place in the grand final on the line ensuring the club is guaranteed representation on finals day.
Deni White will be managed by L Pattinson with the side skipped by L Ritchie alongside W Bradley, L Dalzell, T Brooksby, C Murray, W Pattinson and Jade Hipworth.
Deni Blue will be under the guidance of L Harris, with J Murray taking on skipping duties supported by C Knuckey, I Chessells, K Bowden, D Nilsson, R Little and N Murray.
Emergency players for the weekend are Cheryl Bradley for Deni White and Troy King for Deni Blue.
With strong club depth on display and plenty at stake Saturday promises to be a big day for Deniliquin bowls as finals fever builds across the region.
