St Clair Golf Club could prove to be a season-ending grave yard for the embattled Otago Bombers today if both St Clair sides record wins in round eight of the 10 round Senior A metropolitan pennant series.
The fourth placed Devils take on Chisholm Links — a game that could prove a must-win for the Devils — to put the acid on the chasing Bombers outfit hunting their semifinal position.
In what looks to be a spicy contest, the Saints and Bombers both look strong on paper.
Traditionally this has been a top of the table clash, but with the Bombers struggling to get out of second gear this year one feels if they can spring a victory here, they could gain some unstoppable momentum.
Key players for the Bombers will be the former representatives Tyrone Ratahi and Duncan Croudis. Both have had scattered appearances, which arguably can be attributed to their mixed form. They will need to be at their consistent best against Parker Aluesi and Tony Giles respectively.
The Devils face a potential banana-skin game against Chisholm Links but should be favourites, especially with no Geary brothers suiting up for the visitors.
Despite this, the visitors still match up well and it will not be a walk in the park for the Devils, who will be without Callum White, who will be sorely missed.
Links No 6 Blair Lifiton looks a good chance to kick things off for visitors after a couple of solid results against the Balmacewen players in his debut season.
At Taieri Lakes, the winner of the game between the Lakes and Otago B52s will be one step closer to finishing in a top two position, with the Metropolitan association adjusting the play-off system to ensure the top two teams host the semifinals.
This looks another even match-up that could go either way, although Taieri would have to be slight favourite, with Mark Andrews and Hayden Robertson back in the side, while the visitors will be without Chris Snow.
But the match of the round sees B52s and Otago No1 Tom Lee up against Southland No1 Matt Tautari for Taieri Lakes. It is a match that deserves its billing.
By Michael Minty
