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March 8, 2007

PREVIEW ONE BLUE SOUTH ROUND SIXTEEN



My four from four picks last round has erased all previous doubts I had that I knew nothing about bowls, I boldly move forward to make my selections this round albeit with a slightly biased but carefully considered selections.

Mosman Park v Spearwood

Mosman Park host Spearwood, Mossies are on top of the table while Spearwood are 3rd, the Spearwood side will need to create a major upset to carry off a win in this game, the home side is well placed and sits comfortably in top spot.
In the first round Mossies won 6/2 on the back of a very good performance by John Rainoldi, from that point Spearwood have been playing catch up while Mossies have gone from strength to strength.

Italo D’Ascenzo Spearwood (pictured) valuable skip for Spearwood over the years

The home side boasts strong rinks across the green while the Spearwood side’s performance away from home can only be called patchy at best, however they haven’t been lower than 3rd all season that must say something for their character; this game is a must win for Spearwood if they want to give themselves a chance of promotion while Mosman Park will be looking to close out the season and start planning for One White next year, the mind says Mossies but the heart says Spearwood will come away with a 6/2 result.

Carlisle Lathlain v East Fremantle

Carlisle Lathlain will roll out the welcome mat for East Fremantle, both sides need points to get themselves out of the drop zone, Carlisle sit last on the table and the Blue and Whites are one above.
Both these sides have struggled this year they need to stay focused as Midland have a tough task against a much improved Melville side, a win by either side will get them closer to survival.
The Blue and Whites had a great win on Sunday at Hilton can they repeat the result at Carlisle is the big question; the home green advantage will weight strongly for Carlisle the result will be Carlisle 7/1.

Hilton Park v Manning Eagles

Manning travel to Hilton Park to take on the home side in the game of the day, in the first round Hilton won 7/1 at the Eagles nest with only James Jaworski winning on the day for Manning.
Hilton Park will be looking to repeat the first round performance, on paper the sides are evenly matched with Manning showing good form in the last few games while the Park have had their feet up due to David Opie’s duties in the Australian championships. The Park have Travis Simpson and Eddy Clarke contributing heavily to their wins, David Opie will now be able to concentrate on his clubs requirements and he will play a big part in the coming weeks.
The Eagles have the dominant James Jaworski rink (11 wins on end) with Milan Jokic providing tremendous support. Hilton were surprise losers against East Freo on Sunday they will want to rectify this situation, Hilton have a big weekend playing Spearwood on Sunday (to complete round 15) they will want to win this one and keep their forward momentum going Manning on the other hand will be eager to take the points as they take on Mossies next week, the result will go to the home side narrowly with all rinks close
the result will be Hilton Park 6/2.

Rockingham v Victoria Park

Rockingham hosts Victoria Park, in a middle of the table clash to decide the top four. In the first round the Reds won 6½/1½ in a close tussle, Rockingham will be looking to avenge that result in this game.
The Park won their last outing while the Rocky boys came away from the Melville game with 2 points.
Vic Park sit 4th on the table while Rockingham sit 5th, the home side defend their patch very well its hard to remember a loss to Rockingham at home they play the carpets very well especially in the afternoon sea breeze, the Park will be looking to play a part in the finals so a win is a must for them to establish a handy break from the sides outside the four. Rockingham will be looking to erase the first round defeat to the Reds
the result will be Rockingham 6/2.

Midland Morrison v Melville
Melville travel to Midland Morrison to take on the home side eager to avenge their first round defeat to Midland at home. Melville are now playing far better bowls and are performing much as many thought they were capable of at the start of the season, they have reorganised their sides and it has brought results, they appear to be safe with a 10 point break on Midland who sit third last on the table.

Midland have struggled all year but they have had some stunning victories against notably Mosman Park and of course Melville they are capable but will need to win this one to ensure they get another chance next year in this division.
Melville on the other hand are now playing very good bowls with Nev Brierley and Glen Beard leading the way the Midland side does not have the players to go with these two sides, the one issue for the Melville side will be the home sides greens they wont be what they are used to and they will have to be focused or they will come away as those before them,
Melville too strong across the green will come away with a 6/2 result.

Completion of Round 15:
Spearwood v Hilton Park

Spearwood host Hilton Park to complete the 15th round deferred due to David Opie’s participation in the Australian championships. Both these sides have been shadowing Mosman Park all season, now will be the time for one to stand up and challenge Mossies; Spearwood will have played there on Saturday while Hilton Park go there for the last game of the season. Hilton boast very good skippers in the form of David Opie, Travis Simpson, Norm Ball and Eddy Clarke.
Spearwood have Boris Yakas in excellent form, the reorganised rink of Marin Sokol while the rinks of Italo D’Ascenzo and Tonko Fiamengo are inconsistent, this all points to a Hilton Park victory.
In the first round at Hilton the home side won 7/1, the rinks were all close so this game will be no different. Spearwood at home on familiar turf are very hard to beat, Mossies have been the only ones to achieve that this season.
Hilton and Spearwood have had some great duels in the past this promises to be another one, each side is aware of the importance of wining this game to keep in touch with Mossies, Spearwood and Hilton have all to play for, a loss to either side will mean season over, the home ground advantage will play a part
the result Spearwood will win this game 6/2.