Tim Murray looking at the prospects of the final four sides

March 8, 2006

MESSAGE TO BEDFORD

PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE SELF DESTRUCT BUTTON

This has been the best First Division Red competition I can recall. For the first time in my memory the top four teams Cambridge, Cockburn, Doubleview & Bedford all have genuine chances of winning the ultimate in team lawn bowls in this State. This is a far cry from the complete Doubleview -Cockburn domination of the competition over the past fifteen years and the single Cockburn domination fifteen years prior to that era.

In fact over the past 28 years the premierships have been distributed as follows:

Cockburn 16 flags (12 before finals were introduced)
Doubleview 8 flags (1 before finals were introduced)
Scarborough 2 flags (both before finals were introduced)
Osborne Park 1 flag
Victoria Park 1 flag

I know in the last decade Osborne Park & Victoria Park have won one flag each. However, with no dis-respect intended, both clubs "flew under the radar" to snatch those flags. In both cases neither were favoured going into the finals series but played brilliantly to win the title.

This year is very different. ALL four clubs have realistic chances. Needless to say I do not think any of the current top four will be dis-placed by the likes of Melville, Wanneroo or Leeming.

CAMBRIDGE

Whilst they occupy top position they are my least fancied of all the teams that will contest the finals. As mentioned above, I think they can win but feel they are not as strong in some key positions as their rivals.
For them to win, Brian Katunarich and his rink will need to return to early season form and John Rainoldi will somehow have to get his injuries out of his mind and return to what he is- one of the greats of our game.

DOUBLEVIEW

This is the most vulnerable Doubleview outfit I have ever seen. The key to defeating Doubleview is ensuring that whoever plays Robbie Ball & Kyle McIlroy they must keep it very close. These two teams are super rinks and a loss of five shots or less will mean their opponents have done the job. A win is an absolute bonus. Patrick Buller has probably exceeded expectations thus far but I think in the heat of the finals there will be opportunities for opponents.
The move of John Slavich to skipper this season is a good one and long term will pay off in diamonds but at the moment he is still learning his craft which leaves the rink a little vulnerable. I know it is very short sighted but I would be very tempted to play either Lindsay Thorn or Dennis Kat as skipper on one of these rinks in the finals.

COCKBURN

What a great side they are. After early season poor showings they are now on full throttle. They have the depth, talent and importantly discipline to win the flag but I hope they don't. I have nothing against Cockburn as a club or any of its players. In fact, I highly respect many of their players and some are just ornaments to the game. I am going against them on the basis is that it is not good for the competition to have one or two sides dominate for such long periods of time. The health of the competition always outweighs the satisfaction of one club. That having been said, good luck, you are a champion team.

BEDFORD

I firmly believe you can win the premiership but you have to keep your finger away from the "self destruct button". Individually, put all the turmoil that has occurred this season behind you and keep your eyes firmly fixed on that common goal. The premiership. You have the depth and more than a sprinkling of star players. If you have the commitment you will win. A word of warning. Several players from rival clubs view you as frontrunners with no heart for the battle when it gets tough. The only way to prove them wrong is to take the major prize.

TIM MURRAY