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February 14, 2008
Preview One Blue South Round THIRTEEN

Saturday’s results went much as predicted with one major surprise, Byford upset home side Melville to record a much needed win,

Hilton Park stopped the Midland run of victories, Osborne Park travelled south to Safety Bay to pick up a full count of 8 points, Manning dominated Vic Park to pick up a full count and finally in the game of the round Spearwood were too good on the day against Rockingham.

The final five is far from settled, seven sides are still vying for top spots, this weeks games may go some way towards deciding the future of some key clubs in this division.

The top six play each other in this round; the table will look a lot different following the games this Saturday.

Spearwood v Vic Park

Spearwood at home for the second week will be happy with their victory over tough rival Rockingham, the game was not decided until well into the last few ends.

Spearwood will host Vic Park who are coming of a disappointing loss against Manning picking up no points for their efforts, the Park sit sixth on the table and will be looking to stay in touch with the final five to give themselves a chance of finals action, in the first round the Park belted Spearwood to the tune of thirty plus shots, this time around the home side will be looking to return the favour.

Jim Ricci Spearwood (pictured) Leading well for Ken Nadilo

Spearwood sit second on the table, a win in this game will go some way to ensuring finals action, a loss will open the gate for the pack, should the Park lose this will give Midland a chance to get out of jail I am sure the Vic Park side is fully aware of the consequences. This game will not be as clear cut as the first round however, Spearwood will be going all out to erase the memory of the first encounter.

Brendon Scott Victoria Park (pictured) skippered the first rink this season to defeat Tony Tuckerman who had won 11 games without loss

The Park have the talented Brenton Scott with Rod Volich to provide the fire power, while for Spearwood Boris Yakas and Italo D’Ascenzo provide the skills to keep the Blue and Whites on top in tight situations, this game will go down to the last few ends, the Park will be in the mix through out the game it will be decided on a number of critical ends,

the result will be Spearwood 6 / 2.

Rockingham v Hilton Park

Rockingham return home having lost three in a row, Hilton Park on the other hand has won four on end to set up their season for a run at the coveted top spot.

Rockingham has had a month to forget; last Saturday they travelled to Spearwood and pushed the home side up to the last few ends of the game, the Rocky boys were in the mix across the board, but some how they lost their way, Mr Reliable John Lethlean showed the way for his side battling out a draw with Boris Yakas, while Bob Costello had a narrow win over Ken Nadilo.
Hilton Park easily accounted for Midland last Saturday, Brad Ball and Travis Simpson set up the home side for seven valuable points, this will be one of the games of the round, Rocky at home have surprisingly lost two games, they will need to be on their guard against a confident Hilton Park, in the first round Hilton won by three shots this game will be just as close,

Rockingham will triumph 6 / 2.

Osborne Park v Manning

Osborne Park will looking forward to this game, in the first round they went down to Manning by three shots, they will be on the look out to upset the ladder leaders.
Manning trounced Safety Bay last week to pick up maximum points, Osborne Park similarly picked off Melville to the tune of 80 plus shots, both sides go into this game in form and looking to establish themselves in the top two spots, this promises to be another game that will create interest, a win for either side will go a long way to cementing their position.

Denis Caffell Osborne Park (pictured) Playing a good game as a two for skipper Cliff Guelfi

Osborne Park have very good skippers across all of the rinks, Manning has their cornerstone in Milan Jokic leading the Eagles with Bill Pingelly as support, this may not be enough for stop the Park, their talent across the green will be the telling factor, having said that the Park have lost close games on their home soil, if the Eagles can keep in touch up to the closing stages they may come away with the spoils; the result will be close with

Osborne Park claiming the points 6/ 2.

Midland Morrison v Melville

Midland would be disappointed with their result against Hilton Park; they were coming of four great wins and would have expected more from that game, this week they are back on home turf to take on a struggling Melville.

Melville lost to Byford last week with a slim chance of avoiding relegation, this game will be of significant importance to both sides, Midland have given themselves a good chance of survival due to their effort in the last five weeks, they are capable of defeating good sides.
Melville on the other hand are underperforming, for a side starring at relegation they will need to string together a number of good performances, travelling to Midland will not be easy, Midland will win this in a canter.

the result will be Midland Morrison 6 / 2.

Byford v Safety Bay

Byford will host Safety Bay, following their good win last week against Melville the home side will be feeling a lot better after that result.

Safety Bay will be reeling from the game against Osborne Park, the Bay didn’t perform up to expectations and that will trouble the visitors, Byford will be looking to finish the season on a high, this game will enable them to climb from the cellar dweller position, for the Bay a better effort will be required, the Byford surface will be a challenge for the visitors.

the result will be Byford 6 / 2.