WANGARATTA has claimed a third O&M Midweek Pennant Title in a row with an unexpected win over Yarrawonga at Corowa Civic on Tuesday. After finishing in third position Wangaratta defeated Benalla by a comfortable 23 shots in the elimination final at Corowa and claimed a last end victory over ladder leaders Wodonga in a nail biting preliminary final win at Chiltern the previous Tuesday, courtesy of a last bowl conversion from Trevor Selwood. Laurie McDonald, Phil Davern, Jan Hermassoo, and Graeme Smith were unstoppable in the final, dominating their Yarrawonga opponents to win by a massive 18 shots (29-11). Playing on the rink next to McDonald, Maurie Braden, Gary Fenlon, Mark Allen, and Leon Quartermain managed to keep their match close against a talented Yarrawonga rink finishing with a (14-all) draw. Trevor Selwood, Greg McDonald, Greg Braden, and Barb McDonald still had four ends to complete when Braden’s and Laurie McDonald’s rinks had finished with Wangaratta holding a seven-shot advantage. Apart from a couple of nervous moments Selwood’s rink, despite losing their rink (15-27), held firm to see Wangaratta get over the line by six shots. Final scores: Wang 58 shots def Yarrawonga 52 shots. Wangaratta will return to Moama, representing the O&M in the State Pennant Finals on Monday and Tuesday May 6 and 7. Wangaratta were runners-up to City of Frankston Bowling Club in last year's state final.
