FOR the second time this summer Yarrawonga-Mulwala GCR has proven too good for Ovens and Murray powerhouse Wodonga.
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The six-shot win at home on Saturday over the defending premiers all but locked up a spot in the finals with just three rounds to play.
The Golf Club Resort team now has a seven-point buffer on the only other top four chance Corowa Services, with games against likely wooden-spooner Rutherglen and another relegation prospect Myrtleford to come in its final three games.
Yarrawonga-Mulwala’s Ray Irvine said it was a must win game.
“We have beaten Wodonga twice now this year and having beaten them by seven shots up there we were always confident we would give them a run for their money at home,” he said.
“We led all day and they came back at the death but we had enough of a break to hang on.
“But they’re a fantastic mob to play against us, they are humble in winning and gracious losers.”
Yarrawonga-Mulwala won three of the four rinks with regular gun Michael Szabo the only loser.
The first round after the Christmas break also saw the return of Rod Jones, who led his rink to a win over the Bulldogs’ Ash Bates.
“It’s a big bonus to have Rod back in the side,” he said.
“He only decided to return to bowls just before Christmas and played in the seconds and then skipped that rink on Saturday.
“Rod’s a quality bowler and his return strengthens the side in the run into the finals.”
While Yarrawonga-Mulwala plays two of the lesser lights in the run to the finals, it also faces ladder leader Benalla in two weeks’ time.
“We always thought we needed to win three of the last four to play finals,” Irvine said.
“And while the competition has been tight all year, where any side on any given day can beat one of the top teams, you would expect that if we are going to play finals then we should beat Rutherglen and Myrtleford at home.”
Myrtleford had a resounding 104-84 win against Corowa Civic at Myrtleford, Benalla won comprehensively 115-72 against Corowa Services at Benalla and Wangaratta booked its spot in the finals with a thumping 110-65 win over Rutherglen at Rutherglen.