--------------------TIM MURRAY PREVIEW ROUND SEVEN------------------------

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December 7, 2006 ROUND SEVEN

IS THIS THE FINALS PREVIEW?

South Perth versus Dalkeith/Nedlands & Thornlie versus Victoria Park.
We could fast forward the tape for the next 12 rounds and we may well see the same sides playing come finals time.
I am sure there will be many twists and turns combined with major upsets before this season is out but it is a distinct possibility that this is the first instalment of things to come.

The results of this weekends round of fixtures will be watched with great interest as a pointer towards the finals.

An issue that warrants consideration by BowlsWA is the permanent introduction of pre-draws. The current situation of not knowing who you are playing until two minutes before the start of a game is archaic and well out of step with promoting the game of lawn bowls.
They tell me that some players do not like pre-draws, well I say too bad. It is the sort of mentality that would see us all still playing in whites and have no stickers on the bowl let alone a coloured bowl.

People like Michael Zusman, Kyle Mcllroy & Mark Krajancic of 90.5FM and David Marsh from the West Australian newspaper not to mention myself, Terry Sheridan (Premier Division), Brian Blagaich (One Blue South) & “the Observer” (One Blue North) would be able to deliver a much better product if we were provided with specific information of who was going to play against who.

As a general observation I believe that BowlsWA having dispensed with the “forum” should devote some time to previews and reviews on their website. People like Aaron Dellaporte, Kyle Mcllroy and Pat Buller who have already proven themselves to be leaders in the area of promotion could be approached to assist with the concept.

Thornlie (1st) vs Victoria Park (2nd)

Pre-season I would have marked Victoria Park down as certainties. However after six rounds I have been more impressed with Thornlie’s performances than those of the “Reds”. Whilst they have an enviable record of 5-1 there doesn’t appear to be a lot of middle ground for most of the rinks at the Park. They are either belting the suitcase out of their opponents or being defeated by large margins. With the exception of Jeff Mitchell (5-1) all rinks have been on the end of a hammering. They have been fortunate that other rinks have had big wins to disguise the poor performance.

On the other hand Thornlie have been a model of consistency and hold top position as a reward. Paul Pohe has a very strong rink and a 5-1 record to prove it. A clash between Pohe and Jeff Mitchell would be worth watching. I am tipping Thornlie to win this one but it would be a foolish person to write off a talent laden Victoria Park.

South Perth (3rd) vs Dalkeith/Nedlands (4th)

This is a genuine test for Dalkeith. They started the season well but their form over the past couple of weeks is nothing to write home about. South Perth have been in excellent form and losing to the “Reds”” at Victoria Park last week was no disgrace.

Dalkeith’s Mark Krajancic has been terrific with a 5-1 record but no more impressive than South Perth’s Ken Pride who also enjoys a 5-1 win/loss ratio. It will be very interesting if they meet.
With no huge amount of confidence I am tipping South Perth to win.

Kardinya vs Warwick

Very hard to go past Kardinya in this one. Their form over the past two weeks where they took the scalps of Dalkeith/Nedlands and Yokine is very impressive.




Elliot Taylor Warwick (pictured) loves his game of Pennants

Warwick also won last week but by the unconventional method of winning on only one rink. There will be a couple of skippers at Warwick who will be desperate to win this week to break a run of “outs”. I will be surprised if this is not close but I am opting for Kardinya.

Safety Bay vs Gosnells

After three consecutive defeats Safety Bay will be determined to win at home. Safety Bay skipper Graham Scott has been a great warhorse over the years and if anyone can lift in a crisis it is Graham. I remember fondly when we were team mates at North Beach that Graham Scott played with a “take no prisoners” attitude.
I am sure he had angry pills in his bag because there was no better bloke to have a beer with after the battle had finished.

Gosnells were gallant in defeat last week but continue to be dogged by internal squabbles.
Safety Bay to win.

Scarborough vs Yokine

Yokine should win this one. I emphasise should. If they were a racehorse I wouldn’t have a single asset left. They are highly talented but equally unpredictable.

Scarborough put up a terrific effort against Dalkeith last week (scores tied at the 82nd end) indicating a win is not far away. I am not sure whether it will be this week but wish them all the best.
Yokine to win.

Ron Kuziela Scarborough (pictured) Enjoyed his rink win against Dalkeith

One White Premiership Table
Club	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Rink Wins	For	Agst	Points	Per %
Thornlie	5	5	1					34.5
Vic Park	5	5	1					34
Sth Perth	5	4	2					32
Dalkeith	5	4	2					30
Safety Bay	5	3	3					26
Kardinya	5	2	3	1				20 .5
Gosnells	5	2	3	1				19.5
Yokine	5	2	4					18.5
Warwick	5	2	4					17
Scarborough	5	0	6					8