THE OBSERVER
ONE WHITE PREVIEW ROUND SIXTEEN
March 16, 2006
Kalamunda v Kardinya
In their first round meeting, Kalamunda took 7 points and playing at home this
time will look forward to cementing their place in 1 Red for next season. Kalamunda
have their four skippers (Payne, Griffen, Bradsma and Eddy) in the black with
shots up, whilst Kardinya’s two outstanding skippers have been Tony Cocodis,
who is the skipper of the leading rink in the One White division and Terry Ball.
The
rink
draw
may
be
very
significant.
With games against Scarborough and North Beach to follow, a win to Kardinya would
consolidate their position in the four and give them an opportunity to finish
in the top two and the double chance.
However I consider Kalamunda a near certainty
to register their sixth straight win.
Morley v Safety Bay
A story of contrasts last week with Morley putting in a feeble effort opposed
to Thornlie, whilst Safety Bay easily accounted for Warwick with the rinks
of Matt Massari and Alan Holmes continuing their outstanding form.
Morley has a percentage superior only to Warwick and Innaloo, which doesn’t
suggest a consistent season. Safety Bay at home belted Morley 105 shots to
56 in the first round and it seems the only things going for Morley this time
are the home ground advantage and the fact I’m tipping Safety Bay.
Innaloo v Thornlie
Innaloo have improved since their 40 shots to 121 and no points against Thornlie
in round one. However Thornlie were far too good for second placed Morley last
week and a pair of Reagans played a significant role skippering for them.
Thornlie
have a virtual grand final against Kalamunda next week if they are to play
in the finals and they can be expected to show no mercy to Innaloo again this
time.
Scarborough v Gosnells
Gosnells were very disappointing home to Kalamunda last week and seriously
dented their finals prospects. On paper their draw is relatively easy, playing
their last three games against teams below them on the ladder. They’ll
be looking for a concerted effort from all their players in an effort to make
the finals.
Ron Kuziela Scarborough (pictured) Playing well for the
seagulls
Scarborough weren’t going to give North Beach the chance to put them
in demotion territory and they had a comfortable victory, winning on three
rinks with only the usually reliable Ron Kuziela lowering his colours.
In round 7 when they first met, Gosnells had a decisive win but this time they
travel to Scarborough. They still have a number of class bowlers at Gosnells
however if they lose this game they can almost wave goodbye to a finals appearance.
Gosnells do have the motivation to win and I tip them to just fall over the
line.
Warwick v North Beach
An 8 point buffer may not be enough for Warwick if they lose to North Beach
as they front up to Morley and Gosnells in their final two games. North Beach
may fancy they can just sneak past them if they were to win this game. Both
teams were very ordinary last week and hopefully they will make this game an
earnest contest.
My tip is Warwick to reverse their loss of the first round.
SUMMARY
Several
pivotal games that can shape the future for the teams involved. Kalamunda
have improved
since
a tardy start - not even in the top four after round 6.
Will Morley fight or throw in the towel? With Innaloo to play next week, Safety
Bay can put an unbridgeable gap between them and third place, thus earning
the double chance.
Last week Yokine (1 Red) and Nollamara (1 Blue North) were supposed to lose
comprehensively. That didn’t eventuate.
Bowls is a game very much played
above the shoulders and a lesson to be learnt and remembered by all sports
contestants is to always show respect for your opponent.
The Observer
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