Potential for last round of Batavia Bowling League could go down to the wire ahead of finals

The last home-and-away round in the flagship Batavia Bowling League pennants competition on Saturday has a lot to offer, with the potential for finals spots to go down to the last bowl in almost every game.

Geraldton Blue go into the round as minor premiers after they took a narrow, but decisive, four-shot aggregate away win against finals hopeful Mullewa last Saturday.

The Blues brought the minor flag with them back to Geraldton after a second half of the season in which they have been the standout outfit, taking an unassailable lead of 7½ points that will send them into the playoffs at Denison in two weeks as clear favourites.

Things aren’t so clear for their nearest rivals.

Second, third and fourth-placed Geraldton Red, Wonthella Gold and Green recorded shock losses against Denison White, Wonthella Maroon and Geraldton Gold last round, making the final match crucial for the trio.

All three have been inconsistent in 2022.

A slump in the Reds’ form now has extended to three defeats in succession, while the Greens have lost three times in the last four outings and the Golds are two and two.

But Red have a solid squad. The top three on the player table are all Reds — Peter Batten, Brian Wright and Trevor Smythe.

Fourth and fifth are Blues — Noel Davey and Warren Kennedy.

Green are sixth, level on points with Mullewa and two shy of Maroon, who are fourth.

A reversal could be in the offing, as Maroon and the Saints travel to Geraldton this weekend to play the Blues and Reds.

They will hope Northampton spring an upset at Wonthella against the Greens.

But the Greens should get the job done against the Rams and secure a top four place.

The second division’s top two of Wonthella Maroon and Geraldton Red are confirmed.

The minor premiership will be decided at Geraldton this weekend.

The Maroons have a 1 ½ point break over their immediate rivals.

They play Geraldton Blue while the Reds host fourth-placed Mullewa.

The Saints need a win to ensure a tilt at finals, and at the same time will be hoping the Green Machine on home soil prove too good for Northampton, currently fifth.