Reigning premier continues strong fightback

By Alexander Dabb

Dec 12, 2023

On the rebound: Tongala’s Phil Cooper was a member of the Barry Tinning-skipped rink at the weekend that earned a big win over Stanhope, with his side moving to second on the ladder following a tough start to the season. Photo: Aidan Briggs Photo by Aidan Briggs

A big win has had the reigning premier leap into second spot on the Campaspe Playing Area weekend pennant division one ladder, as one team continues to stand head and shoulders above the rest.

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Tongala recorded a 16-81 to 0-41 win against Stanhope away from home at the weekend, moving into second on the ladder as the defending champion continues to fight back from a slow start to the season.

Bulls skip Barry Tinning continued to enjoy his strong start to the year, guiding his quartet to a 29-19 win in his rink over Stanhope counterpart Robert Ponton to remain unbeaten as the top skip across the competition.

Bradley Tinning also guided Tongala to a win in his rink, skipping his side to a 21-14 victory, while Matthew Liverton earned a mammoth 31-8 win for Tonny to secure a clean sweep for his side.

Moama also recorded a sweep of all three rinks in a big win over Rich River, claiming a 16-78 to 0-47 victory to establish a 32-point lead atop the standings.

Geoff Beattie skipped his Steamers side to a 25-21 shot win over the Keith Hewitt-led Rich River, while Graham O’Brien guided a strong Moama win in his rink over Rich River skip Trevor Nagorcka, recording a 25-14 triumph.

The remaining rink was the biggest margin of victory, with Michael Linehan skipping Brian Davie (lead), Stuart Whyte (second) and Geoff Halden (third) to a 28-12 win, sealing the emphatic victory.

Echuca was comprehensive in its defeat of Deniliquin, earning a 14-73 to 2-53 win away from home.

Steve Cunnington recorded the biggest win on the day for Echuca, leading Ashley French (lead), Jerome Shaw (second) and George Thornley (third) to a 26-12 win in their rink.

Echuca skip James Ferrier claimed a seven-shot win in his rink, prevailing 25-18, while Deniliquin skip Jamie Shields secured the sole success for his side with a 23-22 win over the Stan Barker-led Echuca.

Mathoura proved too strong for Rochester in their clash, recording a 14-62 to 2-52 win at the weekend.

Rochy skip Brian Trengove led Rob Dennis (lead), Allan Crilly (second) and Don Gillies (third) to a big 23-7 win in their rink, although the Mick Humphreys-skipped Mathoura picked up a 25-19 shot win over Rochester skip Richard Feuk in their contest.

The difference would come in the rink skipped by Jason McCloy for Mathoura, who powered to a 30-10 shot win over Rochester’s John Weeks to claim the overall win.

Division two

Big wins dominated the division two action, with Tongala too strong for Deniliquin, winning 16-70 to 0-33, while Echuca beat Deni RSL 16-85 to 0-32.

Mathoura registered a 15-62 to 1-53 win over Rochester, while Rich River earned a 14-72 to 2-65 win over Moama.

Division three

Rich River claimed a dominant 16-79 to 0-46 win over Mathoura, while Echuca proved too strong for Elmore in its 14-75 to 2-43 win.

Rochester beat Deniliquin 14-58 to 2-56, Stanhope defeated Deni RSL 13-71 to 3-47, and Lockington suffered a 0-39 to 16-75 loss against Moama.

Division four

Moama was emphatic in its win over Rich River, recording a 16-96 to 0-29 win, while Echuca swept all three rinks in its 16-89 to 0-43 win over Lockington.

Tongala enjoyed a 13-68 to 3-52 win over Ky Valley View, and Deniliquin RSL beat Stanhope 14-54 to 2-52.