(Anthony Kay 13 - Lance Martin 19) (Benjamin Horwood 31 - David Dunstan 15) (Markus Merz 20 - Trevor Orton 20) (Nicholas Reagan 17 - Ronald Rogers 21)
What looked like a close affair all day with a few late changes to both sides. Horwood initially not being selected as a skip was a shock, as he's been one of the main driving forces gaining promotion over the years. With some late outs, he stepped up and carried the aggregate.
Rodgers was up a heap against Reagan and Merz was leading against Orton and in the second half their fortunes switched. Horwood from early in the piece was carrying the rink against a strong Dunstan rink.
Wanneroo 92 (7) vs Morley 66 (1)
(David Anderson 21 - Victor Orchard 17) (Kingsley Toster 17 - Les Spinks 21) (Martin Nievelstein 35 - Kenneth Parks 11) (Michael Golding 19 - Wayne Mitchell 17)
It is going to be a long season for Morley, even so, many teams will struggle against Wannaroo at their home deck. Most rinks were close with a blow out on the Parks rink. No reports from this game, so if anyone from Wannaroo or Morley wants to send in information, feel free to help out.
North Beach 55 (1) vs Quinns Rocks 91 (7)
(Alan Howe 13 - Hugh Ward 20) (Garry Booker 19 - John Berecz 15) (Jeffery Post 12 - Christopher Parr 27) (Lee Mitten 11 - Steve ONeill 29)
In my prediction, I only decided to select North Beach due to home ground advantage, but Quinns are going to be a touch too strong for most of this division. Berecz does not lose often, so that was a nice rink win for Booker. North Beach are going to struggle this season more so than normal, not sure home ground advantage is enough to save them this year.
Yokine 80 (6.5) vs Osborne Park 59 (1.5)
(Brett Marron 22 - Mark Pasalich 12) (Erron Martin 14 - Robert Lawrence 18) (Paul Kelly 27 - Neville Stevens 12) (Shane Shaw 17 - Lee Farrell 17)
FROM YOKINE - Asked by a young bowler to nominate my all time favourite opponent recently I nominated Mark Pasalich: His steely determination; respect for etiquette and appreciation for the community bowls provides are hard to overcome. But despite the wrong bias Yabby was able to do it stating “my team set me up for success”. He lauded the performances of Mark P and Jeff West.
After looking down the barrels of those guns Erron did well to arrest things and play out a nip and tuck affair. Erron has returned to Yokine having had significant success in the world of bowls. He is a terrific addition to the club.
George V bowled well and stated “it’s hard not to play well behind a leader like that one.” - he pointed to Rocco. PK was superb and has made a great debut at the kennel.
This was always going to be a great duel. Both men have been “The Boss” at Yokine and both have had parents play for the club. Hendo and Ian L were best players for their respective sides and the famous “dancing with your sister” line was uttered after the last bowl was sent down.
Swan 96 (8) vs Joondalup 63 (0)
(Brian Davis 21 - Martin Hinchcliffe 18) (Lindsay Sanders 21 - Mark Ryan 18) (Robert Urquhart 30 - David Urquhart 11) (Sharyn Mercer 24 - Thomas Vlahos 16)
Once again, Swan proves me incorrect, they did it last season and they're doing it again. They start the season on fire and last year had a rough patch near the end. Maybe the changes at the club have made the club a lot more cohesive as a unit. Urquhart v Urquhart with Robbie helping Swan to a very big win, Robbie on his day is very hard to beat and may win a few aggs off his own bowls. Davis last year was a little hit and miss, some weeks winning huge others going down by a number. He certainly plays an aggressive style of bowls. Joondalup may have a long season, they've been getting promoted as their top team moves into premier division and attract new bowlers, but there does come a point when you hit a roadblock. This may be the division that puts the breaks on their rise. Considering I have Swan around the bottom of the table, Joondalup would want to win these games to avoid relegation.