Midweek final four confirmed

By Matthew Kappos

Feb 5, 2025

The four sides which will battle in the post-season have been finalised after the penultimate round of the Campaspe Playing Area midweek pennant was held on Tuesday.

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One of Echuca, Moama, Mathoura and Stanhope will claim the title after Rochester became the final team eliminated from top-four contention.

Rochy was a full 16 points behind Stanhope but went down in its fixture by a single shot.

Austin Maxwell sees the avenue of approach for his bowler. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Meanwhile, Stanhope picked up a win to advance 24 points clear with a round to play.

Rochester’s defeat came at the hands of Deniliquin, winning two rinks not enough to get it over the line as Deni won 12-46 to 4-45.

Brian Kinnane skipped a 17-13 successful rink for Rochester, while Rob Dennis also grabbed a win 16-15.

However, Stephen O’Brien’s squad was able to take the day for Deniliquin, prevailing 18-12 to earn the overall win for their side.

Robyn Thomassen (centre) and Sue Holmes (right) plan Moama's next move. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Stanhope secured its post-season status with a narrow victory over fellow finalist Moama, 12-56 to 4-54.

There were a pair of big wins shared between the sides, Jamie Stokes skipping a 28-6 win for Stanhope, while Moama’s Robyn Thomassen also had a strong victory, 23-9.

Trevor Eastwell earned a second rink for Moama, 25-19, but Stanhope came out just ahead on the overall tally.

Andrew Draffin didn’t like it out of the hand. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Dominant leader Echuca earned a confidence-boosting win over finals team Mathoura, 16-80 to 0-48.

The strongest result went to the rink skipped by Kerryn Evans, her squad getting the win 29-13.

Roma Opie (23-20) and Ian Page (28-15) also earned rink wins for Echuca as it ran away with all the points.

Sue Holmes in action for Moama. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Echuca will finish on top of the ladder regardless of next week’s results, but there is still potential for movement below them over the last round of the regular season.

While Echuca has the bye, each of its three finals opponents faces off with an eliminated side as they jockey for position.

Stanhope would need to earn maximum points and for Mathoura to score no rinks to move above them.

On the other hand, a win could move Mathoura into second if Moama is defeated.

Teena Harris looks to improve her side’s position. Photo by Matthew Kappos

Ladder

1. Echuca (10-1-1) 155 points

2. Moama (6-1-4) 108

3. Mathoura (6-1-4) 100

4. Stanhope (5-1-5) 84

5. Rochester (3-1-7) 60

6. Deniliquin (3-1-7) 59

7. Rich River (3-0-8) 58

Lower divisions

In division two, Moama, Echuca, Deniliquin RSL and Rich River will be the final four after Rochester lost 16-85 to 0-37 to Moama, ending its hopes.

Rich River confirmed its place with a 16-74 to 0-44 victory over Ky Valley View, and Deniliquin RSL boosted its confidence against potential finals opponent Echuca, winning 12-67 to 4-57.

All six teams are still in contention for the top four in division three, Tongala Red and Lockington, both on 69 points, still a chance to catch Deniliquin RSL on 75.

This week Moama beat Tongala Red 12-42 to 2-39, Denilquin RSL got the best of Echuca 12-36 to 2-34, and Elmore took down Lockington 12-51 to 2-31.

In division four, the last four is set with Rich River, Echuca, Stanhope and Lockington to feature in the post-season.

Rich River were winners over Lockington 13-33 to 1-31 in round 13, while Echuca beat Rochester 14-50 to 0-24, and Tongala Red lost its opportunity to push for fourth, only managing a draw against Stanhope 7-39 all.