Murray Bridge are favourites to go back-to-back in Lower Murray bowls

This story was contributed by Derek Vanderzon.

Murray Bridge will enter Saturday’s Lower Murray bowls semi final against Jervois as hot favourites after finishing a massive 59 points clear of their opponents, and with an equally impressive shot differential of 374 up, compared to Jervois’ much more modest plus 34.

Murray Bridge will also have the home ground advantage at their venue, where they are undefeated this season, their only two losses having come away to Tailem Bend and Mannum.

Already reigning champions, the addition of Aaron Jones and, in particular, Andrew Stasinowsky has them well placed to take the direct route through to the grand final.

Stasinowsky is clearly a class above most of his peers, and has been well backed by Brian Traeger, Helen Lindner and Ben Traeger, lowering his colours just once this season.

Darren McIntosh, Tony Trewren, Troy Penhall and Paul Smart have also been a formidable combination, their only real hiccup occurring when Trewren and Penhall were unavailable.

If Murray Bridge have a vulnerability, it is the quartet of Bruce Attrill, Aaron Jones, Judy Zadow and Brian Leckie.

But Attrill has been there so many times and risen to the occasion that he is still a major threat.

For Jervois, Shawn Hicks has found his best form at the right time, and has the solid backing of Heather Fromm, Tim Hicks and Grace Hameister.

Graeme Herbert, Derek Vanderzon, Shane Fromm and Neil Morris are coming off a win over Sam Shepherd on his home deck and are combining well.

Jeremy Scannell has found the going a little tougher the last few weeks after a great start as skipper but – with Graham Fromm, Graham Schenke and the rapidly improving Stuey McCulloch backing him – will be no pushover.

Jervois will go into this match with little to lose, but Murray Bridge should continue their winning form.

Mannum will confront Tailem Bend at the same venue, and are favoured to end Tailem’s season in the eliminator.

Tailem have fallen away of late, and although their top six are as good as any in the competition, their depth is of some concern.

Their pairings of Sam Shepherd and David Hoare, Duane Edwards and Merv Stevens, Travis Schenke and Rob Hales are genuine quality, but they cannot be expected to continually succeed against a greater spread of depth.

Mannum will be hoping Terry McDonnell is available after missing the last couple of weeks, and with Ron Van Tijn also back, would have a more settled side.

They were desperately unlucky to lose last season’s decider, and have the motivation and personnel to have an impact again this year.