Murray's Preview on One Blue North.
Round THIRTEEN
February 16, 2006
This weeks round of fixtures throws up some good games as well as some that
look to be one sided on paper. However, the beauty of this game is as we all
know is not played on paper it is played on the green.
I know that I have been
involved in games where we were not given much chance yet we won and in some
instances won with a "leg in the air". Conversely, I have been part
of teams that probably only needed to play to 10% of their true ability to
win yet we found a way to play at 5% and lose.
GAME OF THE DAY
Morrison Park (5th) vs Bedford (6th)
(First Round) Morrison Park 77 (5) def Bedford 76 (3)
These two sides are on equal points after 12 rounds and separated by 0.77%
on the ladder.
In their first encounter Tony Nattalotto took Cliff Graybrook to the cleaners
and set up the win despite the fact the Morrison Park only won on one rink.
Since that clash I believe that Bedford have improved whilst Morrison Park
have remained static. You can rest assured that Cliff will not have forgotten
the last time they played and I expect him to come out and make someone pay
for that aberration.
Ken Perks Bedford (pictured) settling into the leaders role for Kevin Burke
and doing a good job
In concert with Kevin Burke, Dave Scott and Peter Hunter
I expect Bedford to win this one well. However, Morrison Park also have quality
players in their teams and if they fire they could easily prove me wrong.
Having said that, the way I have been tipping lately that is not hard to
do.
Bedford 7-1
Osborne Park (2nd) vs Doubleview (7th)
(First Round) Osborne Park 75 (6.5) def Doubleview 72 (1.5)
Only 3 shots separated these teams in the first round. However I believe that
Osborne Park on the re-bound from an 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Bedford last
week and playing at home will have the necessary motivation to get back into
the winners circle.
This game is by no means a fait accompli as Doubleview
have a very good list with very experienced players. However, I think Keith
Guelfi, Doug Eaton, Rance Dewson and Dante Mariani with their respective teams
will prove too strong. It is none of my business what Osborne Park do in relation
to their internal workings but I must say that I am surprised that Keith "Chalkey" White
lost his rink in the wash-up.
Osborne Park 7-1
Dalkeith (1st) vs Nollamara (10th)
(First Round) Dalkeith 96 (8) def Nollamara 64 (0)
Talk about results going your way. Dalkeith lost last week and still moved
from second to first.
Nollamara have been very good in recent weeks in turning their season around
but they do not come any tougher in this division than Dalkeith at Dalkeith.
I wish Nollamara every success but believe that Dinko Golem, Mark Krajancic,
Tony Skoric and the underrated John O'Meehan have the firepower within their
teams to win this one well.
Dalkeith 8-0
Cambridge (8th) vs Sorrento (4th)
(First Round) Sorrento 77 (7) def Cambridge 72 (1)
Sorrento's improvement this year has been vast. Whilst results may not indicate
any domination it is the approach and team spirit that exists within this
side that has grown enormously.
That approach and team spirit will be well
and truly tested at Cambridge on the carpet. Cambridge are on a high after
having defeated one of the premiership favourites in Dalkeith last week.
Talking to a couple of the Cambridge guys during the week I got the distinct
feeling that they believe they are going to "touch us up" as well.
Lindsay Bennett Cambridge ( pictured) doing a great job skippering for Cambridge
I think it will be a terrific game. All players know each other well with
close friendships existing between the two clubs. They were not that happy
when we beat them in the first round and they will want bragging rights come
Saturday night.
Sorry guys but I think you will have to wait for the following
Saturday.
Sorrento 6-2
Bassendean (3rd) vs Sportsmen's (9th)
(First Round) Bassendean 97 (8) def Sportsmen's 56 (0)
Bassendean have made wholesale changes to the side that lost Nollamara last
week. Marcel Heruer takes over a rink with the talented (why wasn't he there
in the first place) Ian Robertson coming up from second division to play third.
Wes "Bomber" Jones another very good player also comes from the second
division to play third to leading skipper Tom Norac. Kevin Beaglehole who has
been successful as a skipper goes back to play second for Marcel.
In a unique move Bassendean held a team meeting and all the players were charged
with the responsibility for selecting the side. Bassendean intend to continue
this practice for the remainder of the year. I for one, like innovation and
cannot see any negatives in the move. Who better to select the side than the
players involved.
Which Sportsmen's team will turn up? I am not prepared to guess so I am selecting
Bassendean.
Bassendean 7-1
Tim Murray
