Not too many shocks in R8 as we cruise into the Xmas break. Yes we have another change in 2nd spot as now Safety Bay take the revolving door of 2nd spot, which I'm sure will change again in R9. The 1 constant did not see change as Kardinya cruised to another Agg as they remain the only unbeaten side in Div 1. Now 23.5pts ahead & honestly we can't see anyone coming close to them unless they totally drop their bundle. Even if they do I think their home form gets the home after R11.
Rossmoyne were 2nd not so long ago & now are back into a fight for survival in 7th & after dropping that many at home, I'm genuinely concerned from here. The View are living the prediction after R6 which isn't good for them. They need an Agg in R9 to lift the spirits & prepare for a huge back 9. 4pts separate 3rd to 7th so that whole mid-section is a head scratcher for the moment & it probably won't change that much as they all keep taking points off each other with minor upsets every week.
Bassendean 59 (1) vs Kardinya 82 (7)
(Alan Southern 13 - Steven Novak 26) (Eugene OSullivan 13 - Matthew Allen 14) (Neil Strachan 14 - Daryl Radford 26) (Stephen Jocelyn 19 - Brad Henley 16)
Basso had a real barometer test for where they sit this season as the Kats comprehensively won 3 of the 4 rinks with relative ease. Basso still stay in a Finals spot but only by 0.5pt.
The Kats were tremendous again as they seem to dominate most away surfaces so far & remain unbeaten. I feel another 1 away wins & winning all remaining home games has them home & hosed. For context they have won a jaw dropping 59.5pts from an available 64pts to date, incredible.
Result: Kardinya 7 - 1
Prediction: Kardinya 6 - 2
Doubleview 78 (2.5) vs Safety Bay 87 (5.5)
(Brandon Heta 20 - Chris Carruthers 20) (Christopher McKenna 22 - Matthew Mortensen 21) (David Cosgrove 22 - Graeme Smith 19) (Max Young 14 - Grant Taylor 27)
Tough result for the home side as they only lost 1 rink but drop another Agg to remain rooted to the bottom of the ladder & in real trouble. Taylor over Young was the defining moment as it drove The Bay right up the ladder into 2nd spot. They are getting over these close games which is a great sign both home & away.
Result: Safety Bay 5.5 - 2.5
Prediction: Safety Bay 6 - 2
Rossmoyne 76 (1) vs Manning 85 (7)
(Craig Edson 18 - Michael Carey 20) (Mark Barrett 21 - Paul Smith 23) (Rawley Lang 16 - Wayne Heldt 24) (Walter Harvey 21 - Sam Perica 18)
The River Rats are in trouble after dropping another home game. Yes it doesn’t look to tragic on the ladder but they’ll find it very difficult to recover as they have only won 2 from 8. They’ll need that 6th spot to stay close but they have a few tough weeks ahead.
Manning bounce right back as the fly right back into 3rd spot after dropping down the ladder with a few disappointing results. If Rossmoyne won they would be 2nd & Manning 7th, that’s how close this mid table is. The Eagles have won 5 against Rossmoyne 2 but yet they are still only 4pts ahead. Big result for Manning.
Result: Gosnells 7 - 1
Prediction: Gosnells 6 - 2
Gosnells 80 (7) vs Mosman Park 69 (1)
(David Newton 25 - Mark Robertson 13) (Frank Carbone 19 - Steven Swanson 15) (Glenn Lynch 15 - Mitchell Cranswick 25) (Luke Garbutt 21 - Cameron Hoffman 16)
The Kookaburra’s maintained that home form, albeit, through another razor tight finish but every Agg is huge for them at the stage. Newtons side was the difference & getting a big 7pts gives them confidence heading into the back 9.
Mossies knew this one was a double pointer as both struggle for form. Sitting 9th with 3 from 8 isn’t horrific but it’s bordering on serious concerns if they can’t get an Agg in R9. Mossies seem a long way from where they were last season but you’d expect they’ll start to click soon.
Result: Gosnells 7 - 1
Prediction: Gosnells 6 - 2
Leeming 70 (2) vs Cockburn 76 (6)
(Gary Ford 16 - Tony Krajancic 20) (Graeme Fewings 21 - William Tepania 16) (James Newton 15 - Marc Abonnel 24) (Karl Vandersluys 18 - Michael Simunovic 16)
We thought this was going to the last end & wasn’t it an absolute nail biter & too everyone’s surprise the Titans win a close one. Huge result for Cockburn as they jump into safety but not by much.
Consequentially the Lions head the opposite way now & only escape heading into the dreaded playoff spots by score percentage. These mid table games might have large consequences come R18 as it seems playoffs & Finals spots will go right down to the last day. Leeming do have an identical challenge again in R9 which they know will be another double pointer against a lower side.
