Murray's Preview on One Blue North.
Round SEVENTEEN

 

THE DEFINING ROUND FOR PROMOTION

Round 17 in the One Blue North will be the defining round in determining who gets promoted. A Dalkeith win and it is all over. A 7-1 Osborne Park win will put them on top whilst 6-2 would leave them only half a point behind Dalkeith. An Osborne Park win also opens the door for Bassendean provided they can win.

Dalkeith (1st) vs Osborne Park (2nd)
First Round Osborne Park (6) 81 def Dalkeith (2) 78

HAVE THEY GOT THE DALLY WOBBLES
Norm DuttonAfter appearing to be an unstoppable force for a large part of the season Dalkeith are showing all the signs of a team with the wobbles. Their opponents Osborne Park have only recently bounced back from a huge form slump and look capable of upsetting Dalkeith on Saturday.

Norm Dutton Dalkeith (pictured) Very good second for Dalkeith

If I wasn't playing elswhere, I would go down and have a look at this one. Dalkeith and Osborne Park are so evenly matched that it augurs as an epic. The X factor in this game is Marko Krajancic. He is the class player in this game and can cut you to pieces out of his own hand, however he can also be prone to distraction if he is asked to carry too much of the load in a team environment.
I have no confidence in my selection but for the sake of taking the competition all the way to the last game I will go for Osborne Park.

Bassendean (3rd) vs Morrison Park (8th)
First Round Morrison Park (7) 81 def Bassendean (1) 70

Tom NoracWILL THE REAL BASSENDEAN STAND UP

That is a question that will be answered on Saturday. They must must win but have had a multitude of opportunities before now, only to see them wasted. Bassendean have beaten the top side (Dalkeith) on both occasions but then lose games they should be winning. However, I think Basso may get up at home over a good side in Morrison Park.

Tom Norac Bassendean (pictured) Topline skipper for his club


Cambridge (5th) vs Doubleview (6th)
First Round Doubleview (6) 84 def Cambridge (2) 72

CARPET KINGS LOOK GOOD

Despite a great win by "the view" over Dalkeith last Saturday and Cambridge succumbing to Bedford, I think the Knights may reverse the first round result and defeat Doubleview on the carpet. Both sides are worthy finals aspirants but the loser of this one will not participate even if they are "Clayton's finals'.

Bedford (7th) vs Nollamara (10th)
First Round Bedford (6) 92 def Nollamara (2) 77

RUNNING OF THE BULLS
It may not be Pamplona but the Bulls will be running at Nollamara this Saturday. I mean they will be running hot. Bedford have too much all round strength for Nollamara and should win well.
Shane Shaw and John Carlsen have been absolute bonuses for the Grand Promenade boys along with the rink improvement of Cliff Graybrook.

Sportsmen's (9th) vs Sorrento (4th)
First Round Sorrento (7) 105 def Sportsmen's (1) 47

SWANSONG FOR SPORTIES

Sorrento Swans should prove too strong for a determined Sportsmen's on Saturday. We expect and will get solid opposition but at the end of the day I am trusting that consistency will win out.

I hope Smooth & Dave Membry have made up after doing the "Sportsmen's Waltz" after last weeks win against Nollamara. Sporties are headed for the second division and I for one hope they recover quickly.

TIM MURRAY