Murray's Preview on One Blue North.
Round FIFTEEN
March 9, 2006
AND WE ARE IN THE STRAIGHT
With four rounds remaining we have entered the straight for the sprint home.
In horse racing terms Dalkeith/Nedlands have a handy lead and Krajancic has
yet to call for the persuader. Bassendean are following but kept being blocked
for a run by other clubs. Osborne Park are third but under heavy riding. Sorrento
head the rest of the pack in Morrison Park, Doubleview, Cambridge and Bedford
but are a long way from the leader. Sportsmen's and Nollamara couldn't shoot
the leader with a .22 rifle.
Can Dalkeith sustain their run?
Will Bassendean storm home?
Will Osborne Park respond?
Can a bolter emerge from the pack?
We will find out over the concluding four weeks.
This week throws up some of the answers to the above questions.
GAME OF THE DAY
Dalkeith (1st) vs Bedford (8th)
First Round Dalkeith 76 (5) def Bedford 66 (3)
I expect this game to be a beauty. Bedford should go in quietly confident
knowing they won on three rinks in the last encounter and appear to have
been bolstered by the additions of Shane Shaw and John Carlsen. However,
Dalkeith can never be underestimated and with the team obviously pleased
to be returning to home soil I think they will win. JUST.
Bassendean (2nd) vs Doubleview (5th)
First Round Bassendean 80 (6) def Doubleview 71 (2)
Bassendean will be desperate to get the points here. They know that any slip
from Dalkeith could see them in First Division White next season. On paper both
sides are evenly matched with the exception of Tom Norac who is enjoying a fantastic
year as the divisions leading skipper. Bassendean will rely again on Tom with
assistance from Marcel Heruer, John Lynch and Jim Savage. I expect them to win
but they will find that Doubleview are no pushovers. Doubleview are blessed with
experience and talent.
Cambridge (7th) vs Sportsmen's (9th)
First Round Sportsmen's 98 (7.5) def Cambridge 65 (0.5)
My second favourite team in the competition continue to shock. A few weeks ago
they were beaten by a thousand shots yet last start they jump up and beat the
premiership favourites. That was a great win but you are running into the form
team of the competition. Cambridge on the carpet is going to be tough test. Whilst
I am sure you will pass the test in spirit and determination I don't think you
will pass it on the scoreboard. Cambridge were not that pleased by getting thumped
in the first round and they will be out to make up for that. Cambridge to win.
Morrison Park (6th) vs Osborne Park (3rd)
First Round Osborne Park 100 (7) def Morrison Park 67 (1)
Osborne Park have been nose diving over the past few weeks and this game is a "now
or never" challenge to the team.
A loss and I think they can forget about promotion. A win and they are back in
the race with some much needed confidence. They have the players, they have the
talent but do they have the team spirit that was so evident in the first round
of fixtures. On the other hand Morrison Park have done very well this year. Pre-season
I thought they may struggle but they have shown that on their day they are capable
of beating anyone. I think Osborne Park may win with Guelfi, Dewson and Eaton's
rinks bouncing back to form.
ridge.
Nollamara (10th vs Sorrento (4th)
First Round Sorrento 98 (7) def Nollamara 55 (1)
This is a danger game for Sorrento. Nollamara have improved as the season has
worn on and Sorrento's away record is abysmal (2-5). However, I believe Sorrento
will improve on that record at the expense of Nollamara. Sorrento's leaders
in Richard Bone, Tim Sansom, Gary Dennis & Jarrod O'Donoghoe are arguably
the best starters in the competition. If they continue in their usual form
it should create enough pressure to allow a Sorrento win.
Tim Murray
