Crunch game for title hopefuls

CITY of Geelong and Leopold find themselves in a defining game today, in a match that is set to determine the Division 1 ladder.

City, coming off a nailbiting last-bowl victory against one of the flag favourites, meets Leopold, which is one game outside the four.

However, City skipper Gerry Dean, who was last week’s man of the moment, has played down the importance of a positive result today.

“I don’t want to sound like the old footy cliches, but we really are taking it one game at a time,” Dean said.

City will be strengthened with the return of Lorraine Myles, who will play lead for Jacquie McLaren with John Hudgell retaining his spot at third.

“We are a team of 12 and a contributing factor to our good form is that we are combining well and are really enjoying our bowls,” Dean said.

“While we were happy with our win last week, Tuesday is a whole new ball game.”

Leopold coach and Victorian State player Nicole Shortis knows what is at stake, however.

A win today will put the team right in the mix for a crack at the finals.

“We have had a mid-season restructure last week that seems to be a success,” Shortis said.

She has taken over the reins in another rink and Tonia Doyle has moved up to skip.

Although Doyle lost narrowly, Shortis continued on her winning way and Leopold recorded a strong win over Lara.

“The ability of our players to be able to step into various roles is a real plus for our club,” she said.

In other games, Queenscliff at home will not want to underestimate Ocean Grove 2 in a match that will influence the final make-up. Marlene Sutton, Val Cook, Jim and Marianne Rogan and company are more than capable of causing an upset.

Torquay at home should be too good for Lara, with one of Geelong’s best skippers in Alan Sampson in fine form, while Ocean Grove 1 should comfortably beat Cement.

And although Portarlington is at home on its tricky Doug Betts green, it faces an uphill battle against in-form Highton.

In Division 2, Belmont hosts Clifton Springs, Geelong faces Bell Post Hill, Geelong RSL does battle with St Leonard’s, Highton 2 clashes with Point Lonsdale and Torquay 2 meets Bannockburn.