Murray's Preview on One Blue North.
Round Ten
January 25, 2006
The season is now officially at the half way point.
Osborne
Park & Dalkeith/Nedlands have stamped their authority in this division thus far and look to have the
promotional spot between them. However, I have a feeling that I may be a little
premature with this prediction as my experience with the game is that "It
is not over till it's over". This game is an unfaithful mistress (all
over you one day-desert you the next).
Bassendean & Sorrento have been competitive in all matches and at this
point deserve to fill the other top four places.
Morrison Park have been a pleasant surprise package to this stage and may finish
in the four by seasons end.
Bedford, Doubleview & Cambridge have been somewhat disappointing and will
look to improve in the second round.
At the start of the season I thought Nollamara may struggle a little but I
never once contemplated they would perform so poorly. They have enough good
players to be much more competitive than they have been so I can only assume
they have some sort of internal problems that prevent them playing team orientated
bowls.
Sportsmen's players that remained at the club (after a mass walkout of most
of the clubs best players just days before the start of the season) have done
themselves and their club proud. Whilst you may be relegated I sincerely congratulate
you on the resolve you have shown in the face of overwhelming adversity. I
wish you all the best and regardless of who wins the promotion you are the
team of this division.
Now on to this weeks games.
GAME OF THE DAY
Dalkeith vs Bassendean (First round Bassendean won 7-1)
I cannot see Bassendean repeating their first round result which was achieved
mostly by Tom Norac easily accounting for Dinko Golem (Dinko's only defeat
for the season). I am led to understand that Bassendean have started or are
contemplating dropping players to assist a struggling second division. This
is another negative bi-product of only one promotion with meaningless finals.
Sportsmen's vs Doubleview (First Round Doubleview won 7-1)
Sportsmen's home ground advantage may not be enough to see them overcome "the
View" though I am sure they will give it their best. Doubleview are well
led by players with vast experience in Stan Curtis, John Nicholls & Eddie
Johnson and that will be the difference at the end of the day.
David Cosgrove Doubleview(pictured) handy player for Doubleview
in Stan Curtis's rink
Cambridge vs Morrison Park (First Round Morrison Park won 6-2)
At home I think Cambridge will get the chocolates here. Morrison Park's win
in the first round was set up mainly by Tony Nattalotto but he is now playing
as a third. If any Cambridge players read this then I advise, you are ruining
my tipping record. I select you nearly every week with no result. I am "jumping
off" if you drop this one.
Peter Coffee Morrison Park (pictured) plays a great thirds position
Nollamara vs Osborne Park (First Round Osborne
Park won (8-0)
Nollamara could not get a point at home in the first round and I think it
is unlikely barring a form reversal that they will be blank sheeted again.
Osborne Park are just too strong and are not the ideal team to play when
you are struggling for form
Gordon Maconachie Nollamara (pictured) plays a
good game as a leader and takes plenty of grass
Bedford vs Sorrento (First Round Sorrento won (7.5-0.5)
Home ground advantage will assist Bedford in this one but I still believe Sorrento
will take home the lion's share of the points. I have witnessed first hand
the improvement at Sorrento with the young players now taking much more responsibility
in setting up wins.
This may not be the year for Sorrento but they will be
a very strong side over the next season or two if they are able to retain these
young talents. For Bedford, Dave Scott and Cliff Graybrook pose a genuine threat
to the visitors.
Tim Murray
