Points ever so vital for Mooroopna Golf

Four points is all that separates Mooroopna Golf from a top four berth in division one.

Four points is all that separates Mooroopna Golf from a top four berth in division one.

The big question is, will that still be the case after the end of Goulburn Valley Bowls Division midweek pennant’s penultimate round today?

Mooroopna Golf has two matches to make up the deficit, and will attempt to wrest points off ladder-leader Shepparton Park today.

Golf can ill-afford a maximum points loss, considering Shepparton Golf, Hill Top and Tatura, which are in second, third and fourth place, respectively, all play lower ranked teams.

Mooroopna Golf can draw some confidence from the fact it won its round eight encounter with the Parkers by one shot.

But that was on its home green and only one team has matched the feat since then.

Shepparton Park claimed maximum points in both matches in the new year against Kyabram and East Shepparton and was last beaten by one shot by Shepparton Golf in round 12.

The Parkers have been beaten four times this season, but never at home.

Skipper and head of selectors Bev Thorn said Shepparton Park would go into the match today feeling comfortable.

She said there was only one player different compared to the Parkers’ team from round eight and it was Mooroopna Golf’s green that was the difference that day.

‘‘We didn’t handle their green very well over there,’’ Thorn said

‘‘We only went down by one shot overall, but we only got two points against their eight.’’

Shepparton Park is 20 points clear of second place, so it is all but guaranteed to finish minor premier.

‘‘We’ve just got to keep practicing on grass and keep our ends tight and make sure we get a good start every game,’’ Thorn said.

‘‘I know we’ve only got one more after this to practice, but we’ll be trying.’’

The Parkers will elect to play today’s match on its carpet and have no changes to their side.

Mooroopna Golf skipper Faye Wheelhouse was not concerned about playing on carpet, but said today would be a tough match.

She said Hill Top proved too good for her team last week in the six-shot loss.

If it does not break into the top four this round, Mooroopna Golf’s final chance will be when it hosts Rushworth next week.

‘‘We’ve definitely got to do well tomorrow to still have a chance,’’ Wheelhouse said.