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ONE BLUE NORTH REVIEW
December 17, 2007 ROUND SEVEN REVIEW
Some very interesting results in this weeks round of fixtures. Some questions to come out of the round are.
• Has the Doubleview bubble burst (five straight wins followed by two consecutive losses?)
• Are Sorrento that good (winning several close games and then dodging a bullet against Osborne Park by only winning on one rink).
• Are Stirling now going to start to dominate the division?
Warwick 80 (6) def Doubleview 75 (2)
This result came as a surprise to me because “the View” had been in very good 
form whilst the “Magpies” could have best been described as mediocre.
Steve Benn Warwick (pictured) Led for Brian Freind in their great win over Bomber Haring's rink
The defining rink was that once again led by Brain Friend inflicting a heavy 28-16 win over “Bomber” Haring. Unfortunately for “Bomber” and his team it was their second big loss in the past fortnight.
It cannot be missed that Eddie Johnson’s side seems to mirror that of Doubleview. He did not lose a game in the first 5 games but has now lost his last two, this time at the hands of the Evan O’Sullivan led rink.
This was a very good win for the “Magpies” in the context of the season.
Stirling 86 (7) def Morley 67 (1)
As expected Stirling proved too strong and are now running into a nice bit of form. Tony Krajancic continues to lead the way with an impressive 20-8 win over Murray Robinson.
Tony Krajancic Stirling (pictured) Great skipper for many years
On the other hand Morley have not won a game for several weeks now so I am guessing confidence would have slipped.
The Christmas break could not come at a better time for them.
Wanneroo 74 (7) def Bedford 70 (1)
Whilst I expected Wanneroo to far too strong it did not work out that way as they only got over the line by four (4) shots.
My good friend David Crook nearly pulled off the upset with a solid 22-15 over the previously unbeaten Joe Pordan.
Derek Bowen struck back for the “Roos” by getting over Graeme Campbell by six shots.
This is not the first time Bedford has lost narrowly but at the end of the season I fear it will hurt them.
Sorrento 77 (5) def Osborne Park 75 (3)
As mentioned earlier Sorrento were lucky in this one. Very seldom does a side win on only one rink and take the aggregate.
The hero for the “Swans” was the rink skippered by Neil Adams who recorded a 25-18 over Bob Sadler.
Ken Sutcliffe put an end to John Hammond’s unblemished record
North Beach 73 (6) def Scarborough 71 (2)
This was probably the “Blues” best win for the season. They come from nearly twenty shots behind to hit the front on the 83rd end. There was no coincidence that their comeback also came at the same time of the rain but that is no excuse for the “Seagulls”.
The outstanding player of the day was undoubtedly Alan Schrauf who eclipsed Ron Kuziela 25-7. His performance was simply brilliant in the dry & wet as he consistently converted 3,4 & 5 down to shot. I really felt for Ronnie but it is not a body contact sport so the best you can do is “grin and bear”. Congratulations to North Beach and Alan. I hope they bought you copious amount of that amber fluid on Saturday night because you certainly deserved it.
On a personal note it was a pleasure to play against my old friend and one time mentor Mal Dempsey. Mal showed he has lost very little over time and played some telling shots.
With the season now past seven rounds I am going to look into my Crystal Ball for the following predictions.
Firstly, I think Bedford & Morley will be relegated but I am not sure who will follow them. It is most likely to out of North Beach, Osborne Park, Scarborough and Warwick.
I think the top four will probably remain unchanged but I cannot see Stirling finishing as low as 4th so there may be some table swapping.
I wish all bowlers and their familles a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
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My selections for this week