Sport
18 November, 2025
Weekend Pennant reaches halfway mark
With all three weekend pennants now at the halfway point, several teams have cemented themselves as ones to watch for the finals.
DIVISION ONE
The Maryborough Highland Society has made it seven wins in a row with a commanding 88-48 win against Carisbrook.
Garry Coburn and Gregory Shay did the bulk of the damage for the current division one frontrunners, with Coburn too much for Roy Pickering in a 32-13 win while Shay overpowered Ron Baker 33-11.
In one of the rinks of the weekend, Ross Gregory earned two points for Carisbrook in a remarkable contest against Greg McHugh, 24-23.
With Carisbrook’s defeat, Mary-borough Golf has moved into the top four after winning a back-and-forth encounter against Newstead 65-55.
All three rinks were decided by 10 shots or more, with Golf taking the match points thanks to Anthony Chambers defeating Bill Burnett 28-18 and Gerry Carmody vanquishing David Cobden 25-11.
Brian Daly ensured Newstead didn’t leave the match empty-handed with a 26-12 triumph against Kevin Prime.
Talbot remains in second place after collecting their fifth win of the season versus Maldon in a clean sweep 71-46.
The match was much closer than the final scoreline suggests, but Talbot held their nerve with Peter Fletcher overcoming Eric Cook 20-11, Chris Crossley taking a high-scoring affair against Annette Gillham 28-21 and Peter McLaughlan finishing the job with a 23-14 win versus Peter Sedgwick.
The win allowed Talbot to generate a little extra breathing room inside the double chance spots from Dunolly Blue, who defeated Avoca 83-47 at home on Saturday.
Despite not having a win in their first six matches, Avoca had a slim chance of defeating last season’s runners-up, with Daniel Giddings’ outstanding 21-20 victory against Alan Weir drawing the rinks level after Dunolly Blue’s Chris Williams dominated Ian Proctor 30-11.
However, Tony Galofaro swiftly ended Avoca’s aspirations, over-coming Frank Shannon 33-15.
DIVISION TWO
In a stunning turn of events, Dunolly Green has shocked the previously undefeated Highland Black, moving itself to the precipice of the top four with a 41-37 upset.
Debbie Wintle was the hero for Dunolly Green, triumphant over Paul Gothard 25-13 to nullify Robert Bursill’s 24-16 victory against Fabio Delconte for Highland Black.
The defeat has shrunk Highland Black’s previously comfortable lead at the top of the table to single digits, as Highland White made no mistake versus Talbot 64-18.
Dennis Prosser and Frank Mifsud ensured Highland White is now in touching distance of their sister team, with Prosser commanding Ray Prentice 31-8 and Frank Mifsud too good for Laurie Vernon 33-10.
Maryborough Golf was also a beneficiary of Highland Black’s defeat, thanks to their 63-28 triumph against Bridgewater.
Trevor Young blew out the final margin of victory by dominating Ian Clutton 40-10, while Kort Gay did well to complete the sweep for Golf, taking a hard-fought rink over Christopher Brooshooft 23-18.
That result has allowed Dunolly Gold to leapfrog Bridgewater into the top four, taking all 14 points in a nail-biter against Avoca 45-36.
Aaron Britten did just enough to get Dunolly Gold rolling with a 23-20 win against Ann Loosmore, allowing teammate Barry Cann to complete the shutout with a 22-16 triumph over Geoff Loosmore.
DIVISION THREE
Newstead has followed their impressive showing versus the Maryborough Highland Society with another superlative victory against a fellow premiership contender, this time overcoming Carisbrook 41-23.
Noel Bott held on to a tight 17-14 win against Marlene Gouge to complement Steven Gibson’s 24-9 success against Kathleen Upson.
Newstead’s triumph puts them level on points with Carisbrook and only five points behind ladder-leaders Highland, who dropped two points in their 51-29 win over Dunolly.
Despite James Smith stealing a rink 20-17 for Dunolly against Allan Pike, Tilleke Wadeson ensured Highland’s victory by trouncing Paul Chase 34-9.
After their encouraging defeat to Carisbrook, Avoca has created a slim pathway to finals contention by overcoming Maldon 41-32.
Chris Cocking won an enthralling rink for Avoca 19-18 against Glen Coy, while Gordon Marr proved too much for Pam Lyons, winning 22-14.
ROUND EIGHT
After a week-long hiatus due to Energy Breakthrough, round eight is the first time teams in the top two divisions will replay previous matchups from this season, as some will look for a repeat dose of glory and others will hope to rectify opening round disappointment.
Division one’s marquee matchup pits the undefeated Maryborough Highland Society against title holders, Maryborough Golf. Highland won the last meeting between these teams back in round one, 62-42.
Another team that started their season with a win was Dunolly Blue, hoping to complete the season double over Maldon this weekend.
Carisbrook could potentially force its way back into the top four if they can overcome the second-placed Talbot.
After their tight opening matchup finished 64-60, Newstead will have a tough task of repeating that result against a constantly improving Avoca side.
Division two upcoming fixtures look to have serious ramifications on the finals picture, headlined by Maryborough Golf hoping to compile the recent misery of ladder-leaders Highland Black with a victory.
A win for Golf could see them take the top spot in division two, but for that to happen, the in-form Dunolly Gold will need to extend its winning streak to three against the accomplished Highland White.
After their potentially season-altering victory over Highland Black, Dunolly Green will attempt to keep the good times rolling versus Talbot, while fellow finals hopeful Bridgewater tries to get back on track away to Avoca.
Carisbrook will play Maldon, Highland hosts Avoca and Newstead will travel to Dunolly in division three action.
