Allan Matheson Shield ǀ Gallery ǀ Golf, Park and Tatura Hill-Top get season under way in style

By James Kleeman

Oct 30, 2022

Sending it down: Mooroopna’s Jeff Anselmi. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It has begun.

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Despite concerns of wet weather and damp greens across the region Goulburn Valley Playing Area’s Allan Matheson Shield season started at the weekend in fine style.

Newly-promoted Mooroopna was dealt an early reality check on Saturday at the hands of Shepparton Park, which cruised to a comfortable 127 (18) to 60 (0) dismantling of this year’s AMS newcomer.

Eyes on the money: Mooroopna’s Tom Downey. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Park’s dominance was on full display in all bar one of its rinks, with Darren Kelly’s rink four giving Jeff Boyle’s squad a serious run for its money.

The Boyle-led rink consisting of Robert Thorne, Philip McCann and Suzanne Tyson would snatch the win by the skin of its teeth, winning out 23-22 to ensure a Park clean sweep.

Paul Nichols’ rink one squad did the job with a 30-12 win, while Paul Warren’s rink was ruthless in rink two as it saluted with an imposing 40-8 win.

In control: Mooroopna’s Laurie Benson. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Meanwhile, Park’s Joshua Warren and his team was too good for Bruce Anselmi in the rink three contest, coming away a 16-shot victor.

Tatura Hill-Top got its season off to a fine start, overcoming East Shepparton on its home turf 106 (16) to 87 (2).

Skipper Kevin Cox flew the flag for East with a five-shot win over Paul Newman’s side in rink one, but momentum went all the Bulldogs’ way after that.

Focused: Shepparton Park’s Jeff Boyle. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Brendan Boyd secured a 25-18 victory in his contest, while skips Peter Le Sueur and Nicholas Boyd ensured the visitors took home all points available with solid wins in their respective rinks.

Lastly, perennial powerhouse Shepparton Golf steamrolled its round three opponent Stanhope, producing a resounding 123 (18) to 76 (0) victory to kick-start its season.

Stanhope’s Gregory Fitzpatrick and his rink put up a brave performance against Golf’s John Gribble, narrowly losing out 31-28.

Golf was simply too strong in the remaining contests, as skips Brad Orr, Wayne Dagger and Alan Dove led their side to a triumphant win.