Phil Marsden

WHILE still mathematically possible, the chances of Gawler's division one metropolitan bowls team moving out of the relegation zone are very small.
Losing all rinks against bottom side Toorak Burnside, with none getting particularly close, has seemingly sealed the side's fate.
Needing to win all rinks this week against fifth placed Happy Valley, and hoping of a winless day for eighth placed Henley, would stretch the optimism of even the most one-eyed supporter.
Despite losing a rink by 28 shots, the division four team continued its winning form by defeating Tranmere by four shots.
With good wins to the fours of Reynolds, Warland and McConnell, there was enough credit in the bank to get the side over the line.
Moving from the bottom of the ladder for the first time this season, the team now faces the daunting task of taking on top team Para Hills on its home deck.
Although splitting the rinks 2-2, Gawler’s division five team fell 13-shots short against fellow mid-table club Modbury.
Considered warm favourites before the match due to home green advantage, the fours of Branson (1-shot up) and Gillies (7-shots up) did their best to get the team up.
The division six team was comprehensively outclassed by Tranmere to the tune of 46 shots.
Winning the rink of Shepherdson, Woolman, Howe and Simpson was the only bright spot in an otherwise gloomy day.
A win in its last game of the season will see the club avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
In what has become a fascinating battle for a finals berth, and with only two games remaining, Gawler's division one ladies could finish anywhere from third to seventh.
Suffering a 26-shot loss to Semaphore was not the calamity it could have been as other results fell Gawler’s way.
Two valuable points courtesy of Theresa Dean and her girls was enough to still see their side cling to fourth spot and in remain the mix for finals.
A home game against sixth placed Kensington Marryatville this week is simply a must win, as a loss will see the side lose control of its own destiny.
Despite winning only one rink, it was by a margin that allowed the division three team to take the day against higher ranked Semaphore.
The four of Gillies, Heffernan, Marshman and Buckley, with a score line of 23-12, combined with the other rinks staying close was enough to get the job done.