Matt Saunders’ 14 wickets are the most in the McMahon Shield through five rounds. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
Another blockbuster weekend of sporting action is on the way, and the state of the McMahon Shield table is starting to solidify.
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Both Moama and Bamawm-Lockington United have made early cases to lift the shield, while last year’s powerhouses, Echuca and Rochester, currently languish in the mid-table.
BLU will have its opportunity to deal a further blow to its neighbour as it hosts Rochy at Bamawm Recreation Reserve in round 6.
The Lions haven’t yet required a big total to pick up a win, but their batters have been notably quiet, Woody Wilson the side’s runs leader with 116.
However, with the ball, Prateer Mehta has been one of the elite wicket takers, his 12 the second best in the competition.
Conversely, Rochy looks good statistically, especially with the bat, where it boasts three of the six leading run-scorers, but has dropped two games from five.
On current form, Moama will be a strong favourite to keep its spot on top as it takes on the 1-4 Tongala at Tongala Recreation Reserve.
Matt Saunders sits atop the wicket tally with 14, while Russell Stockdale is the league’s second-leading run scorer, both men key factors in the Mowers’ strong start.
Tongala has historically struggled to find runs, and that has mostly been the case this season, as the Blues have eclipsed 110 only once this year.
Another strong starter, Echuca South will look to secure the points against winless Nondies-Cohuna at Echuca South Recreation Reserve, while Kyabram Fire Brigade will be taking a trip to Gunbower to battle Leitchville-Gunbower.
Echuca has to watch on this week with the bye, before returning to battle L-G next weekend.
In tennis, Echuca 1 and 2 have overwhelmed Rochester and Lockington-Bamawm United through the opening four weeks, and will hope to do so again away from home.
Echuca 1 will be on the road to take on Rochy, while Echuca 2 visits LBU for round 5 action.
Chris Potter’s Echuca 2 sits second on the table, ahead of a trip to LBU.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The table is tight in the weekend bowls pennant, with plenty of opportunity for movement as sides get set for round 7.
Echuca leads the league but could fall from top spot if it slips up against fellow top-four hopeful Deniliquin.
After losing its unbeaten streak, Stanhope will look to rebound against Kyrabram, while Rich River will hope to build on the momentum of that upset when it takes on Tongala.
Mathoura will search for a maiden win as it battles Moama, while Rochester has the bye this week.
In the BCGR Premier League, Moama can finish the weekend on top of the league if it gets past top-two rival Bendigo.
At 8pm on Saturday, the Echuca Pirates will compete in their penultimate Country Basketball League fixture of the season, taking on Shepparton on the Gators' home floor.
In the GMCW, the region’s female cricketers will be in the spotlight on Sunday as one-day fixtures begin in the revamped league.
Moama is away to Katamatite, while Echuca hosts Bamawm-Lockington United at its temporary home of Tongala Recreation Reserve.
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