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January 31, 2008
REPORT ON ‘ONE WHITE’ 2007 / 2008.
PREVIEW - ROUND ELEVEN
GOSNELLS YOU LITTLE BEAUTY
for recording your first aggregate win for the season and as a result I’m going to jump up on my soapbox and express my opinion about something.
I’m so happy for our club’s Saturday One White Gossy players who grabbed their first aggregate for the season. The players who have stayed there have been trying their guts out week in and week out for our club in difficult circumstances and thoroughly deserve to finally be rewarded with a win.
They also deserve to be supported by our club’s selectors regardless of whether relegation is a foregone conclusion or not. They are still our flagship players and those we will be relying on in the future to retain the highest divisions we can attain so the support extended to them should be like in a marriage, in both good times and bad.
When there is so much talk in the bowls world about ‘player loyalty to clubs’ or lack thereof, certain club officials need to realise that loyalty is a two way street. I’m not saying that clubs shouldn’t be realistic about their positions with an eye on the future but you don’t abandoned your own tried and true best servants in difficult times and then expect their loyalty in return.
Our One White players are loyal players who will keep showing up every week trying their best to win for our club, for themselves, and for their teammates regardless of the writing on the wall and they deserve to be given the best skills available when one of their own is unavailable. That didn’t happen last game and it hasn’t happened this game and it should be fixed.
Last week's results:
Dalkeith-Nedlands keep powering away and last week fixed up Bassendean.
Yokine decided not to bottle up their frustrations about their trip to Thornlie the week before but instead to take them out on Morley who were just sitting at home minding their own business not expecting to be savaged.
Safety Bay continue to be the big movers up the ladder this time travelling to Thornlie to fix up the Ravens by a single shot.
Mosman Park, even without their star John Rainoldi, well and truly burst Leeming’s post Christmas bubble.
Which brings me to Kardinya, and I have to ask the Kardi Boys – what the hell was in that Christmas pudding, because it’s been a disaster ever since. Whatever it was you must have shared it with the Basso Boys (or vica versa) because both have suffered three from three loses since the festive season break.
Maybe this latest one week break will turn it all around for both clubs.
LAST WEEKS RESULTS:
Dalkeith-Nedlands 87 (7) defeated Bassendean 70 (1)
Gosnells 86 (6) defeated Kardinya 82 (2)
Mosman Park 93 (7) defeated Leeming 82 (1)
Yokine 104 (8) defeated Morley 46 (0)
Safety Bay 75 (6) defeated Thornlie 75 (2)
This Week’s – Picks of the Bunch:
Mosman Park (4th) v’s Dalkeith-Nedlands (1st): I’ve said on several occasions that Mosman Park have been lacking consistency despite having a very strong lineup on paper. However I have a feeling that they’ve turned the corner regardless of the result against the competition leaders this week, and that a more consistent second half awaits the Mossies. They are at home for this week’s match and if at full strength can take it right up to the Silvertails who will have to keep their eye on the bowl.
Kardinya (8th) v’s Thornlie (4th): Only 7 points separate these two sides. Kardinya will enjoy being back on their home surface and will be out to put their season back on track. Thornlie on the other hand, apart from on one occasions early in the season against Morley, are always competitive and thereabouts in the fight for the aggregate. I don’t expect it to be any different on this occasion for the Ravens. Very interesting to note that both clubs have made substantial changes to their rinks.
Safety Bay (7th) v’s Morley (3rd): I’ll tell you what’s not a pleasant task - having to lick your open wounds all the way down to Safety Bay after being mauled by a pack of Doggies to the tune of 58 shots and 8 points. Having to play The Bay on their home turf is not an easy task at the best of times let alone when they’re coming off two straight wins and with their confidence sky high. A spot right up the ladder within reach of their opponents is the prize on offer for them or steadying the ship and some breathing space for Morley.
LADDER:
Dalkeith-Nedlands 61; Yokine 55; Morley 46½; Mosman Park 41; Thornlie 41; Leeming 40; Safety Bay 35; Kardinya 34; Bassendean 32; Gosnells 14½.
‘My Predictions’: Last week 3 from 5. For the season (30 – 20) winning rate.
BASSENDEAN V’s GOSNELLS
1st Round – Bassendean 79 (7) def Gosnells 65 (1)
BASSENDEAN
Craig Greenhalgh (Sk) P. Hutchinson Gordon Gray Ray Denton
John Lynch (Sk) Jamie Davies Nolan Hall Norm Kirkup
Marcel Heruer (Sk) Colin Hotker Neil Strachan Fred Early
Justin Opie (Sk) Wes Jones Ian Robinson Steve Black
A report from a contact at Bassendean is as follows:
VERSUS
GOSNELLS
Brett Holland (Sk) Jason Bryan, David Downey
Bert Cruickshank (Sk) Trevor Gibbs Roy Sharp Peter Gale
Neville Mulcahy (Sk) Trevor Close Colin Waters Mike Rickard
Kevin Bairstow (Sk) Peter Hodgson Brian Creswell Trevor Simons
I picked our boys to win last week for only the 3rd time this year, but that hasn’t stopped me hoping on every other occasion that they would prove me wrong. I try to make ‘my predictions’ with my head and not my heart and accordingly I picked Gossy to beat Kardinya on the basis of their very solid effort the week before in only going down by 6 shots to the competition leaders, Dalkeith-Nedlands, at their home.
I also thought that Kardinya may be feeling a tad of pressure and perhaps trying too hard after their last couple of defeats. In any event the match was incredibly close with three of the four rinks being decided by a solitary shot and only 4 shots in the overall aggregate.
Kevin Bairstow’s rink V’s the Ian Hastings rink:
Take a bow Kevin (the bear) Bairstow who was awesome on Saturday and who’s 5 shot win carried the aggregate for our first win for the season. The bear constantly converted and one of his team mates was heard to say in his presence after the game that it was the best game the bear had played in 10 years. This prompted the big fella to respond as only the bear could, in layed-back, deep tones:- “How the bloody hell would you know”.
For the second week in a row the Bear and his boys jumped away well to lead 10 to 0 after three ends and then very handsomely 17 to 2 after just six ends. However the opposition hung in there and began clawing their way back to be only 18 to 10 down after twelve ends; 24 to 11 after eighteen ends but the visitors picked up the last three ends to make it quite respectable at only 24 to 19 in the end.
As good as ‘the bear’ was for us the boys tell me that it was predominantly Ian Hastings that was responsible for the fight back by the Kardi Boys and for not allowing the Gossy boys to be even further in front during the afternoon.
Brett Holland’s rink V’s the Tony Cocodis rink:
Nothing much in this match from go to whoa. They were 7 a piece after five ends; up 13 to 8 after nine ends; 15 a piece after fourteen ends; down 15 to 18 after seventeen ends; but our boys then picked up 7 shots to 3 in the last four ends to eventually win 22 to 21.
I’m told that our front two didn’t have the best of days leaving it to Brett Holland and our junior superstar, Jason Bryan, playing third to carry the day. Brett was very solid as usual while Jason was outstanding.
(Late News: Our ‘junior’ star is no longer a junior – happy 18th birthday for last weekend Jason).
Neville Mulcahy’s rink V’s Peter Foy’s rink:
A great match between these two sides for the majority of the day but the Gossy boys wouldn’t be wrong in saying that this is one that got away late in the afternoon. It’s unfortunately this Gossy rink’s second 1 point loss in a row. Were down 4 to 7 after five ends; down 11 to 14 after eleven ends but then our boys picked up a 6 on the thirteenth to be ahead 17 to 16, then after sixteen end we were up 22 to 16 and looking the goods.
However the Kardi boys then put pedal to metal and won the last five ends to run out 1 point winners, 22 to 23. Now being predominately a lead myself it does my heart good to be told that the two leads were the best players for both sides so congrats to Mike Rickard for us and new comer Scott Jaggs for Kardinya. A great way to make your debut Scott.
Bert Cruickshank’s rink V’s Geoff Gould’s rink:
The third of three 1 point results for the afternoon was a real punch and counter punch affair. We were 7 to 5 up after five ends; 10 to 13 after eleven ends; up 16 to 15 after seventeen ends to eventually lose 18 to 19. I don’t have any further info on this match.
This Week: There will be late changes to the team as above.
Martin’s Prediction: BASSENDEAN at this stage
KARDINYA V’s THORNLIE
1st Round – Kardinya 82 (2) def by Thornlie 96 (6)
KARDINYA
Tony Cocodis (Sk) John Smith Marc Abonnel Les Phillips
Rick Flintoff (Sk) Steve Vinci Shaun McCormack David Phillips
Rob Foy (Sk) Dave Wood Gordon Manuel Scott Jaggs
Geoff Gould (Sk) Daryl Radford Rex Sweet Owen Sweetman
A report from a contact at Kardinya is as follows:
After the 8-0 loss to Safety Bay the previous week, we thought things couldn’t get much worse – but they did. We went to Gosnells fairly confident of a win against a team that had not won a single game, but lost a vital aggregate by a mere 4 shots.
Three rinks were all decided by a mere single shot, but the aggregate was finally decided on the Ian Hastings/Kevin Bairstow rink. The Gosnells rink had led 17-2 in the early stages thanks to two shocking ends by the Kardinya boys dropping a seven and a five. We fought back very well to only lose by 5 shots but the damage had been done, with such a lead proving very hard to peg back completely.
Geoff Gould’s rink of Daryl Radford (Third), Rex Sweet (Second) and Owen Sweetman (Lead) won 19-18 against Bert Cruickshanks’ rink. All four players bowled well, giving Gouldie 9 wins out of ten.
Robbie Foy’s rink of Dave Wood (Third), Gordon Manuel (Second) and Scott Jaggs (Lead) beat Neville Mulcahy’s rink 23-22. Scott played very well as Lead in his first game in Division One White, while Gordon was steady as second.
Tony Cocodis’ rink of Shaun McCormack (Third), Graeme Wake (Second) and Les Phillips lost be a mere shot to Brett Hollands’ rink, going down 22-21. The scores were close all day, with Les Phillips having a great game up front.
Ian Hastings’ rink of Steve Vinci (Third), Marc Abonnel (Second) and David Phillips (Lead) as previously mentioned lost 24-19 to Kevin Bairstow’s rink. While all the Kardinya players bowled pretty well, it was “The Bear” that was the main difference between the sides, having an absolute day-out and probably costing our rink anything up to 15 or so shots.
We have found it difficult to cover the loss of our best two skippers in Terry Ball and Rex Sweet. The reshuffling that has been required has spoilt the stability that we had in our rinks for the first five games. We hope that they both can return soon to their positions and help us regain that stability. We have eight more games, five of which we probably have to win to retain One White.
This Week:
The Selectors have made a number of changes to the team for the home fixture against Thornlie this week. The most significant is the promotion of Rick Flintoff to skipper his first ever game in Division 1 White. Rick has been our outstanding skipper in the Division 2 team for the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.
Shaun McCormack returns to a Second position on Rick’s rink, while John Smith and Marc Abonnel slot into the Third and Second positions respectively on Tony Cocodis’ rink. Geoff Gould and Rob Foy’s rinks remain unchanged.
Ian Hastings and Graeme Wake will play in the Division 2 Gold team. We certainly hope that these changes can turn around our fortunes. We probably need five wins from the last eight fixtures to remain in Division 1 White. The new look rinks are as above.
VERSUS
THORNLIE
Paul Pohe (Sk) Alan Petchell Mick Hansen Jim Irwine
Jim McKenzie (Sk) Jim Stein Rod Kimble Andy Lill
Glyn Vaughan (Sk) Ross McMillian Ian Rewell Tony Churcher
Greg Reagan (Sk) Terry McCormack John Walker Ray Halse
A report from a contact at Thornlie is as follows:
In all a very disappointing loss to The Bay. One shot was all that separated the two sides at the 84th end. Every Ravens rink had opportunities during the game to finish better than they did, but it wasn't to be, but two points was the only reward for a hard day at the office.
We must congratulate The Bay, who took home 6 points and are now right back in the mix.
There were plenty of grumblings going on in the club house following Safety Bay's departure and as a result the selectors made changes for the round 11 game as above.
This Week:
Thornlie travel to Kardinya for the next clash and to say that it’s a big game for both clubs would be an understatement. I predict Thornlie will win a tight contest
Martin’s Prediction: KARDINYA
MOSMAN PARK V’s DALKEITH-NEDLANDS
1st Round – Mosman Park 75 (1) def by Dalkeith-Nedlands 92 (7)
MOSMAN PARK
John Rainoldi (Sk) Rad Anderson Jarrad Rainoldi Glenn Ellis
Steve Withers (Sk) Mark Simpson Tom Reid John Deery
Lester Mortimer (Sk) Wyn Ferris David Teague Peter Freund
Lindsay Hicks (Sk) Steve Novak Doug Rogers Tom O’Neill
A report from a contact at Mosman Park is as follows:
Mosman Park VS Leeming at Leeming.
Mosman Park travelled to Leeming desperate to win points and crack into the top four after a disappointing loss last week to Morley. Mossies welcome back young gun Ryan Hawke however were hurt by the late withdrawal of arguably their best player John Rainoldi due to work commitments.
Raad Anderson took over the rink with Glenn Ellis, Jarrad Rainoldi and 18 year old Trent Teague with all four soundly beaten by the Strange led quartet eventually loosing 37-17. That was to be the only bad news for Mosman Park with Steve Withers and Co easily accounting for their opposition 26 – 12 and Lester Mortimer leading from the front to guide his side to a comfortable 23 – 13 win over the dangerous Danny Comrie.
Mosman Park’s other rink led by Queensland import Lindsey Hicks were 7 shot victors over the Ashworth four with Hicks playing an incredible bowl on the second last end. Down 7 on the head Hicks had one bowl remaining, very little room to cut down and a lot of traffic to dodge. Hicks calmly got on the draw, negotiated the traffic, fell off a bowl for second shot and not only guaranteed a rink win but ensured the aggregate remained safe. Steve Novak (Hicks second) continued his great form this year with another workmanlike performance.
This Week:
Mossies will look forward to taking on ladder leaders Dalkeith on their own dunghill next round and if their full side lines up, it will well and truly be game on. The reward for winning will be entrenching themselves in the four with a loss meaning Mossies will slip right back down to the relegation pack
VERSUS
DALKEITH-NEDLANDS
Marco Krajancic (Sk) John Morgan Norm Sutton Peter Gason
Tony Skoric (Sk) Ross Donald Steve Back Vaughan Colley
Peter Bacich (Sk) Mark Lindsay Vinnie Santostefano Ross MacKenzie
Tom Williams (Sk) John McIntosh Alex Gryta John McCormack
Click---Here--To Read the Dalkeith report
SAFETY BAY V’s MORLEY
1st Round – Safety Bay 61 (1) def by Morley 86 (7)
SAFETY BAY
VERSUS
MORLEY
Peter Aungier (Sk) John Armstrong Graham White John Sheridan
Allan Barron (Sk) M Robinson Rod Revell Andy Elmer
Bruce Walter (Sk) Gavin Grieve Bob Giekie Glenn Britten
Robbie Urquhart (Sk) Wayne Neilson Joe Heiden Brad Moyle
A report from a contact at Morley is as follows:
-------------------------------------Peter Aungier
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Peter Aungier returns to the fray this week after a suffering a knee injury, Peter plays a valuable roll as a skipper for Morley has been badly missed by the club and will hopefully bring a change of fortune to the club this Saturday against Safety Bay
Not much to say about this week's debacle against Yokine. This was Morley's worst day for many seasons. Yokine came to play and it appeared we were content to just spectate. They established their dominance very early in the game to run out the most convincing of winners by over 50 shots, securing all 8 points in the process.
All of the Morley rinks were soundly beaten with no excuses except to say that the only "stat" that we were dominant in was the "poor bowl" count. The up coming week's break has probably come at a good time. We will need to regroup very well for a very tricky assignment against Safety Bay down at Safety Bay.
Morley are hurting after this latest trouncing and will be determined to bounce back into winning form ASAP.
This Week:
Hopefully Peter Aungier, one of our key players, can recover from a re-occurance of a knee injury in time for this very important clash.
Martin’s Prediction: MORLEY
YOKINE V’s LEEMING
1st Round – Yokine 79 (6) def Leeming 69 (2)
Edmonds(sk), Gallop, Brad Morrison, Coghill
O'Keefe(sk), Durrant, Kay, Coffey
Davis(sk), Lorence, Fulcher, Busing
Heaton(sk), Cooper, Bills, William Morrison
A report from a contact at Yokine is as follows
----------------------------------------Jamie O`Keefe
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Jamie O`Keefe playing his first season in W.A is a quality skipper , so far he and his rink have dropped only the one game since he took his place in the Yokine 16 . He will play a big part in where the Yokine Doggies are headed
Doggies Bounce Back
The Yokine Dogs bounced back from a big loss last week to playing their best game for the year. Yokine went to Morley (the team sitting in third spot on the ladder just behind them) in what was a vital game for both teams. With some cosmetic changes and Tony Kay out, the dogs were looking forward to getting their 2008 season back on track.
All rinks for the dogs started well and slowly took control as the dogs tails started to rise again from last week. By early in the afternoon the dogs opened up some handy leads on all rinks and then put their foot on the gas. The dogs looked a different side from the week before and played a game that left the home team stunned.
By the end of the day the dogs doubled Morley's score 104 - 46.
Alan Davis led the way for the dogs and was in front from start to finish with a score line of 24 - 7. Davis's up front players took some time to settle on the quick Morley greens but A.D. and Juris Lorence had the answers all day. Even when the Morley team strung some good ends together the back end on Davis's rink left them disheartened by keeping the jack on a string.
With Davis leading from start to finish this allowed the other rinks to play their own game. With Edmonds, Heaton and O'Keefe all winning by 14 shots the day ended well for the dogs with 8 big ones.
The night just got better for the dogs on returning to the kennel to find that all seven grades scored wins for the day. When the dogs left later that usual that night they all said it can't get much better than this for a Saturday at bowls. However it did, the Sunday Times hit the front lawn the next morning to reveal that the other results fell the dogs way.
This Week: No reported changes.
VERSUS
LEEMING
Danny Comrie (Sk) Gary Ford Peter Middleton Steve Harris
Phil Dobie (Sk) Bill West Tom Glendinning Doug Griggs
Lindsay Strange (Sk) Alan Pryce Gary Pemberton Dennis Anderson
Ian Ashworth (Sk) Robin Gray Dean Higgon Ray Morley
Unfortunately the Leeming contact is away on holidays.
Martin’s Prediction: YOKINE.