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March 1, 2008
Preview One Blue South Round FIFTEEN

Saturday’s results were much as expected with one notable exception in the game of the day top of the table Spearwood went down on the last bowl of the day to third placed Hilton Park, Hilton now sit second on the table with Spearwood third.

Rockingham have emerged from their slump to record a good away win against Melville, Midland Morrison continue to impress with a away win against Safety Bay, Vic Park were too good against Osborne Park and Manning trounced Byford by 40 plus shots.

The break for the country champs will give the clubs a chance to reconsider their playing stocks and plan for the sprint to the finish, less than 10 points separate the top five sides any one can take out the coveted top spot.

Spearwood v Melville

Spearwood return home picking up two points against Hilton Park in the process they conceded the top of the table position, Melville lost at home to Rockingham by plus 30 shots, this game takes on a significant importance for the home side, narrowly loosing to Hilton Park the previous week cost them top spot.

Brian Sumich Spearwood (pictured) had a great season so far and looking forward to the finals

Spearwood will be looking for the full count against the visitors, the Spearwood rinks of Ken Nadilo and Boris Yakas missed out on Saturday they will be in the mix this time around, while the rinks of Italo D’Ascenzo with Tonko Fiamengo won for the Blue and Whites against Hilton Park, with only four games to play Spearwood and Melville have differing reasons to win, the home side to erase past disappointments and for Melville to survive and regroup next season, this game will go the way of the home side the playing strength will be too much for the visitors,

the result will be Spearwood 7 / 1.

Hilton Park v Vic Park

Hilton Park at home for the second week, take on a desperate Vic Park, Hilton won last weekend against Spearwood courtesy of a last bowl bomb by Brad Ball to take out the aggregate, the scores were drawn when Brad played his last bowl, it shows the measure of the man when he played the bowl of the day to secure the points for the Hilton side.

This is game of the day Vic Park must take points for this game or they will open the door to Midland, the bottom four face relegation and the Vic Park boys will not want to contemplate that scenario. Hilton are second on the table just two points behind Manning, a good win in this game ensures they give themselves a shot at instant promotion, they have strung six wins on end and are clearly the form side in the competition, they have a good even spread of talent which will make for a exciting game against Vic Park.

In the first round the scores were 73 shots a piece, with Vic Park earning themselves five points courtesy of Brad Scott, this time around expect the scores to be close again, the home side will have the advantage but you can't take anything away from Vic Park, their greens will be similar to Hilton’s speed so this will make for a even contest; expect an upset in this game Hilton’s winning run will end and this could be the game.

The result this time around will be Vic Park 6 / 2.

Midland Morrison v Manning Eagles


Midland Morrison return home following a triumphant win over Safety Bay picking up six and a half points on the way, they will host Manning who belted Byford last week. Midland have impressed since the Christmas break they are only 2½ points behind Vic Park to avoid relegation, they will be aware Vic Park will be taking on Hilton Park in the game of the day.

Tony Hockey Manning (pictured) Valuable player for Manning this season playing three

Manning will be very confident following their good showing against Byford however this game will not be as easy, Midland have been playing well at home and they will be looking for maximum points. The Eagles have found a spot for Peter Bowden who was a surprise omission the last few weeks, Peter helped Milan Jokic to a 14 shot win at the last outing his experience will be just as valuable in this game.

For Midland Ben Marino and Alan Southern have been stand out rinks, while for Manning their cornerstone Milan Jokic has found his form together with the rinks of John Francisco and Bill Pengilly they should be too skilful for the home side,

The result will be Manning Eagles 6 / 2.

Rockingham v Safety Bay

Rockingham will host Safety Bay, Rockingham travelled to Melville last week for a 30 shot 6/2 result to stop their run of four on end loses, while Safety Bay travelled to Midland to return with one and a half points.

the Rocky boys will now be focused on Safety Bay and the chance at maximum points, in the first round it was a close result with the Rocky boys wining by one shot but picking up 7 points, this contest is a local derby and no matter where each is on the table the games provide lots of interest, the Rockingham side will be too strong for the visitors Safety Bay will have to bring their best game to stop a determined Rockingham,

The result will be Rockingham 7 / 1.

Byford v Osborne Park

Byford return home following a convincing loss against Manning, they will take on a determined Osborne Park. This will be the Parks second week on the road, they will be going all out to pick up a bag full of points. Byford will have to stay focused or they will suffer the consequences, this season cant come to an end soon enough for this side,

For the Park they sit fourth on the table with a chance still to grab top spot, they will play a part in the finals and will look at this game as a must win, the Park boast too many guns for the home side,

The result will be Osborne Park 6 / 2.