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-------------------------------PREMIER LEAGUE 2006/7

November 3, 2006
The Premier division gets under way this weekend with a unique double-header. I hope I am wrong but at first glance it appears that there is a considerable gap in player depth between many of the clubs this season. Over the past couple of seasons we have been treated to a very even competition whereby it came as no shock to see bottom sides defeating their more fancied opponents.
I don’t think that is as likely to happen as often this season. I think a good case can be put for seven clubs but the other three may be playing to avoid relegation. In any event this how I think they will finish come April 2007.

1. Doubleview
They have reverted back to a tried and proven formula in re-vamping their sides for this season. The move of Lindsay Thorn & Dennis Katunarich back to skippers gives “the View” a much better look.
In my opinion Lindsay Thorn is one of the best skippers produced in this State in the past twenty years. He was unfortunate to be playing in an era whereby WA had so many champion skippers, thus he was denied the privilege of skippering for WA.
When WA dominated Australian bowls Lindsay would have skippered in any other State side.
I can’t think of a better player to have last bowl in a tense situation than Dennis Katunarich. He has “vacationed” the past couple of years as third to Robbie Ball but if Doubleview are to win the premiership he must stand at the “pointy end”.
Player for player Doubleview has the best team in the competition and this year I think they will demonstrate this.

2. Cockburn
Cockburn will present a real danger as they also have a class line-up. The strength of Cockburn is not only the star players they have in their ranks but is equally with the ability to work as one to get the job of winning matches done.
I wish Daniel Brown early success because if my information is correct the State selector’s knives have been drawn after the interstates in Darwin and his name is on one of the blades.

3. Melville
Melville has recruited very well and now possesses an enormous amount of firepower. I think that if the skippers in Rhett Butler, Cam Girvan, Ant Provost & Jon Sharp hit top gear it will be a case of “thanks for coming”.
However, they will need solid support from the front ends if they are going to regularly beat the likes of Doubleview and Cockburn.
Despite his recent success in the consistency singles I am advised that Rhett Butler is in the same firing line as Daniel Brown. I for one believe a move against either player would be a big mistake.

4. Wanneroo
I am sliding the premiers Wanneroo because they will change from being hunters to being hunted. Whilst “The Roos” are chock full of talent I honestly believe they flew under the radar somewhat last season.
I am sure they will be ultra competive again this season but other teams will treat them with the respect they deserve.
Neville Stevens promotion to skipper appears to be a good one as he has been a high quality player for a few years now.

5. Bedford
I was on the Bedford bandwagon last year but they failed to deliver. They were bundled out in the first final despite having a very powerful line-up.

In subsequent discussions with friends who played against them I was advised that they do not all pull in the same direction when times get tough. If that is the case then no matter how talented your players are you will inevitably lose the close ones.

6. Osborne Park
This team has the ability to win the premiership. All they need to do now is win enough games to put themselves in a position to challenge.
If I was selecting a “smokey” for this year this team would be it. However, after last season I may just wait a while.
Garry Caffell is an excellent inclusion to the team to compliment the class of John Goddard and Bill Galloway whilst the sheer brilliance of Daniel Trewhella is great to watch when he is in full swing.

7. Cambridge
A very talented side and it would not surprise for one minute if they finished near the top of the ladder.
I wish them all the best of luck and under the stewardship of Trystan Smallacombe, Brian Katunarich & Ron Stockton I am sure they will be very competitive.
My one wish is that Scott Edmonds fulfils his long promised potential and takes this competition by the throat and throttles it.

8. Kalamunda
Kalamunda appear to be reasonably strong but the test will be in the depth of the sixteen players.
They will have to perform well on a consistent basis to give their top players the chance to compete on an equal playing field against the top sides.

9. Leeming
Sorry Radd, but I think you guys may have rather a long season. Losing the quality of players you have is going to be one big mountain to climb.
I know blokes of the calibre of Geoff Gould, Danny Comrie, Wayne Heldt and others will never give in but the task looks too difficult.

10. Morley
Another club that has some very good players but will be stretched in relation to depth and consistency.
It is no secret I am a big fan of the Morley club but with all the goodwill in the world I cannot see them avoiding demotion.