With Deniliquin downed by leader Moama, Stanhope could have moved into the top four with a win over Echcua, but it was the visitor that came out on top at Stanhope Bowls Club.
Echuca defeated Stanhope 14-63 and 2-56 to maintain its hold on second place.
Stanhope’s Timothy Hancock provided resistance for the host, defeating Steve Cunnington 28 shots to 12.
In the other two rinks, it was all Echuca as Ian Page defeated Justin Spedding 25-11 and Phillip Thorn put Peter Myers to the sword 26-17.
Elsewhere, Mathoura travelled to Tongala Bowls Club and defeated the host 14-61 to 2-59.
Tongala’s Matthew Liverton got the jump on Mathoura’s Peter Pangrazio in rink three, prevailing 25-16.
Mathoura’s Arthur Murphy and Peter Holzer hit back in the other two rinks to take the win, beating Bradley Tinning and Stephen Hammond 25-15 and 20-19, respectively.
Lower grades
Division two saw Moama and Stanhope continue to stamp their authority over the competition, taking down Echuca 15-55 to 1-51 and Rich River 14-72 and 2-64, respectively.
Rounding out the grade, Kyabram got a substantial win over Tongala in enemy territory, 16-82 to 0-46.
Division three saw a full slate of action as Lockington took care of business against Kyabram 14-60 to 2-44, and Elmore beat Tongala 14-70 to 2-62, while Echuca got a big win over Stanhope away from home 14-73 to 2-49
It was a strong round for away teams in division four, with every visitor tallying a victory.
Lockington got the job done against Kyabram 14-72 to 2-57, Tongala lost to Mathoura 2-51 to 14-68 and Moama thrashed Kyvalley View 16-79 to 0-35.
Division five also had plenty of action on Saturday as Kyabram took down Echuca Blue 14-53 to 0-34.
To finish the round, Echuca White defeated Stanhope 13-45 to 1-27.
22°C