-----------------TIM MURRAY PREVIEW ROUND EIGHTEEN---------------------

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March 23, 2007

THANK YOU FOR THE RIDE

I predicted at the start of the One White year that we could expect a very even year with all sides capable of defeating each other. That is exactly how it has unfolded. Even though no position is absolutely certain it appears highly probable that Victoria Park will finish on top whilst unfortunately Scarborough requires a minor miracle to survive relegation. All other positions are up for grabs including final placing’s in the top four and whether Warwick or Yokine will accompany Scarborough to One Blue.

Thanks to all the players and the ten clubs for providing what has been a very interesting ride. Initially it looked like Victoria Park would finish on top but a mini slump saw Dalkeith surge to the top.
However, upon reaching top position Dalkeith went into a tailspin and are now lying third.
Thornlie and South Perth appeared to have the other two spots in the four sewn up but with some inconsistent form and a rampaging Kardinya whom have won seven in a row and now occupy a top four place it appears Thornlie may miss out.

One White Premiership Table
Club	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Rink Wins	For	Agst	Points	Per %
Vic Park	17	12	5			1438	1259	91.5	114. 13
Sth Perth	17	11	6			1388	1273	85.0	109 41
Dalkeith	17	11	6			1419	1229	83 .5	115 45
Kardinya	17	11	5	1		1309	1284	82.0	101. 95
Thornlie	17	10	7			1397	1268	77.0	108. 84
Safety Bay	17	8	9			1391	334	66.0	98. 88
Gosnells	17	7	9	1		1314	1390	62. 0	94. 53
Yokine	17	5	12			1262	1452	47. 5	89. 55
Warwick	17	5	12			1218	1398	45.0	87. 12
Scarborough	17	4	12			1225	1402	50. 5	87 .38

Kardinya (4th) vs South Perth (2nd)

A huge game for both clubs. A Kardinya 6-2 win could see them finish depending on the Dalkeith result whilst a South Perth would need to win 7-1 just in case Dalkeith record an 8-0 win to ensure they finish 2nd.
A South Perth win would expose Kardinya to the prospect of being displaced from the four by Thornlie if they record a big win over Yokine. Kardinya’s form has been brilliant over the past couple of months and with that distinct home ground advantage I think they will sneak past South Perth which will probably mean a replay at Victoria Park in the 1st semi final next week.

My Tip: Kardinya

Yokine (8th) vs Thornlie (5th)
Another big game for both clubs. Yokine have the advantage that they have their destiny in their own hands. A win and they need not worry about other results.
On the other hand Thornlie must win and win well and rely on other result going in their favour to make the four. Even though it is being played at Yokine I think Thornlie will prove too strong.

My Tip: Thornlie

Warwick (9th) vs Scarborough (10th)
Warwick has it all to play for. A win combined with a Yokine loss will see them do a “Houdini” and remain in the division next season.
I originally was going to select Scarborough to win but I understand they have some key players missing and thus I am going for the “Magpies”.

My Tip: Warwick

Victoria Park (1st) vs Gosnells (6th)

Victoria Park will win this one and go into the finals as hosts next weekend. They have a talented line-up and may prove just a little strong for a plucky Gosnells side.

My Tip: Victoria Park

Dalkeith/Nedlands (3rd) vs Safety Bay (7th)

Dalkeith have been very disappointing over the past few weeks but I believe they will return to the winners list against “the Bay” on Saturday.
If other results go their way they may still finish second and grab the double opportunity.

My Tip: Dalkeith ;