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ONE BLUE NORTH / SOUTH COMMENT
March 30 , 2008
WHEN WILL THEY REALISE THAT ONE BLUE NORTH AND ONE BLUE SOUTH IS A NONSENSE
When will the people that have the authority to change the present One Blue North and One Blue South acknowledge that it is a completely flawed system and has been since its advent.
Currently it is certain that three teams in One White (and if Bassendean defeat Leeming next week) four teams from south of the river will be demoted into One Blue next season. They cannot all fit into one Blue South.
It appears to me that under this foolish geographical system the only teams safe in a particular division are Wanneroo and Safety Bay.
BowlsWA has painted themselves into a corner with this one and the solution is now much further off than had action been taken two years ago.
It is certain that current CEO Andrew Collings who is retiring I July is leaving his incumbent with a real headache. It is now not possible to create different grades as in the past with One Blue and One Gold because there is no proof which division is stronger or weaker.
You do not need to be Nostradamus to predict that this situation will only get worse particularly when you blend it with the other superb initiative of demoting four teams each year.
I am sorry (but with the exception of Premier League) first division bowls in this State has gone backwards because of the fixation on geography.
The Scarborough Bowling Club has no association to these views, I add that to ensure we are not on the freeway south every second week next season.
March 30, 2008 ROUND SEVENTEEN REVIEW
-------------- ROOS BOUNCE INTO FIRST DIVISION WHITE
Wanneroo have gained automatic promotion by ensuring they will finish on top of the One Blue North premiership table this season. They jumped the final hurdle with a good win against the strong Doubleview team on Saturday.
At the other end of the table Bedford, Morley, North Beach are definitely headed to second division and barring a minor miracle will be joined by Osborne Park..
The minor miracle being that Osborne Park defeat the powerful Doubleview at Doubleview by a large point’s margin and prey that North Beach can upset Warwick at the home of the “Blues”. My money is against the “Saints” who can look at rounds 15 & 16 (where they were beaten 0-8 on both occasions) as to the cause of the demotion.
---------------- SORRENTO TOO GOOD FOR SCARBOROUGH
---------------------Sorrento 81 (7) def Scarborough 66 (1)
I always look forward to a read of the “Sunday Times” for the bowls results but I was crushed this Sunday. They have credited my son Michael with a 24-12 win over Neil Adams which would have had him laughing particularly when he got thumped 13-25 by John Hammond.
Seriously, Sorrento demonstrated to Scarborough in no uncertain terms that they are a genuine promotional chance. In conditions perfect for bowling and the Sorrento green running very well they were just too good for us on the day. Whether we get another crack at them is in the lap of the gods.
As mentioned John Hammond was too good for Michael Murray with leader Rick Hutchinson having a blinder to set up the “Swans” rink. John Brown was in sublime touch to defeat the very consistent rink of Steve Stokes whilst Alan “Angry” Anderson and team proved a little too good for Brian (that is Brian, Terry) Axford’s charges.
Tim Murray defeated Neil Adams in a very high class game to salvage a point for the visitors. It would not be fair to move on without mentioning the outstanding game of Sorrento’s leader Hans Correlje. He certainly made us work hard all day.
-----------------------------WARWICK IN THRILLER
-------------------------- Warwick 92 (6) def Morley 91(2)
Warwick got in by one shot against the ever improving Morley at Warwick on Saturday. Had the result gone the other way Warwick would have been in real danger of demotion. However, in the scheme of things it is probably justice.
Last week the “Magpies” lost by a solitary shot so this one evens it out.
Wayne Mitchell (who got hold of me about 4 games ago) continued his great run of form with 30-27 over the experienced Alan Hogarth.
Brian Friend surprisingly lost again (the first time this season he has lost two in a row) 20-25 to Morley skipper Hall.
The hero for Warwick was David Taylor with his 23-15 whilst Jeff Sheppard also continued his outstanding form with a 22-21 win.
-----------------SAINTS GIVE THEMSELVES A GLIMMER OF HOPE
---------------------- Osborne Park 102 (8) def Bedford 76 (0)
There is no doing thing by halves with this “Saints” line up. After two 0-8 hidings they come out and dish one out to the “Bulls” I was very pleased to see Ken Sutcliffe back in the winners circle with his 32-19 demolition of his Bedford opponent. Ken is an under rated bowler and a “bloody nice bloke” to go with it.
“Daicos” was also back in the winners’ role and Ben Poggi and Stan McFarlane completed the rout. With the win Osborne Park have given themselves the slimmest of chances of avoiding demotion.
-----------------NINE OUT OF NINE FOR STIRLING AT HOME
----------------------- Stirling 94 (8) def North Beach 58 (0)
Stirling completed their perfect home record with a resounding win over a revamped North Beach team. It was always going to be difficult for the “Blues” to win over at Jones Street given that Stirling has not lost a home game all year.
Stirling problem that on the road their record stands at 3-5 which is not all that imposing. The major destroyer was Alan Erceg over John Adams with a 35-14 mauling. I was a little surprised to see that Geoff Devenish is not skippering because I think he is their best skipper.
I understand Andy Tucker is seriously ill and our thoughts and prayers go out to you Andy.
----------------WANNEROO SHOW WHY THEY ARE THE TOP TEAM
----------------------- Wanneroo 82 (6) def Doubleview 76 (2)
Two things, firstly, congratulations to Wanneroo for finishing on top and secondly my apologies for not rating you highly enough. Even with your lofty standing and the fact that you were playing at home I lost money backing “The View” to win this one.
Derek Bowen set up the win with a comprehensive 28-12 over the very talented Ken Screech. DB you owe me a drink when we next meet (to offset some of the loss).
Doug Watson kept his superb record in tact with another top win over a very talented in Jason Wholohan.
Winton Langdon and Gary Nelson gained points for the visitors.
This Week
Wanneroo will finish on a high against Morley
Warwick will put an end to North Beach’s horrid season
Doubleview will beat Osborne Park
Sorrento will be far too good for Bedford
Scarborough at home to Stirling
GO WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN THE INTERSTATE SERIES