NSW destined for five-peat, Victoria capable of breaking drought
NSW has all but clinched an historic Marj Morris Trophy win at the Australian Sides Championships, and Victoria is in the box seat to win their first Alley Shield since 2002 tomorrow. NSW have all but secured an unprecedented fifth consecutive Marj Morris Trophy, despite having one round remaining at the Australian Sides Championships in Queanbeyan.
The Blues haven’t quite got both hands on the coveted Trophy yet, but can afford to lose their contest against South Australia tomorrow morning in the final round, and can also drop all three rinks, provided they aren’t defeated by more than 107 shots.
Western Australia is also situated on five wins, but has played a game more than NSW because they haven’t yet been forced to take a bye, and also sit on 10.5 rink victories, but are well down on score difference; which is the third ranking measurement, with 24 shots compared to NSW’s 132.
South Australia have an almost even score difference, of 2 shots over six games, making it highly improbable they will prevail against the undefeated Blues on all three rinks and by 108 shots.
The Black Swans are somewhat helpless to shape the ladder standings, with a last round bye, but are two games clear of third placed Victoria after a 12 shot win this afternoon, courtesy of under-25 world champion Kristina Krstic’s 34-10 win over fellow young-gun Jackaroo Chloe Stewart, which has earned their state the women’s silver medal.
In the men’s Alley Shield competition, Victoria look destined to break a 14 year drought after maintaining their unbeaten run on the penultimate day.
The Big V overcame Western Australia in the sixth round, 55-45, to maintain a one game buffer over defending titleholders NSW.
Victoria needs to triumph over Tasmania, by any margin, to win their ninth Shield in 51 stagings of the event.
If they fail to fire against the Tigers, it’s likely that they will be relegated to runner-up status, if NSW defeat South Australia but even just one rink.
NSW will be waiting in the wings to pounce on the trophy, which is exactly what transpired 12 months ago in Perth, when ACT knocked off the top-placed South Australia in the last round to send the Shield to NSW.
All eyes will turn to Queanbeyan Bowling Club for the final round of men’s action from 8.00am tomorrow, and to Queanbeyan RSL Memorial Bowling Club for the women’s event from 8.30am.
Cabramatta’s international veteran Karen Murphy is in the prime position to win the best-performed rink honours for the NSW women, while fellow Jackaroo Aaron Wilson has the edge in the men’s event going into the final round.
Click here to view the men’s Alley Shield results.
Click here to view the women’s Marj Morris Trophy results.
