Interesting round as things begin to settle down. We did think the home sides would dominant but they did it relatively comfortably with 5 from 5 for the home sides. We’ll wait until our magic R6 predictions but I think we’ll see some changes over the next few weeks. The bottom sides may remain but that top section will change.
Mosman Park 87 (7) vs Victoria Park Carlisle 65 (1)
(Cameron Hoffman 28 - David Florance 16) (Lisa Featherby 22 - Lee Such 16) (Mitchell Cranswick 16 - Graeme Wishart 23) (Steven Swanson 21 - Gary Beckwith 10)
Big game for the home side as they brought the Reds crashing back to reality with a comfortable win & 7pts in the bag to get their season off & running.
The Reds best skip did it again carrying their side but lacked the help as others struggled to contain a rampant home sides who had more answers on their home deck.
Result: Mosman Park 7 - 1
Prediction: Mosman Park 6 - 2
Osborne Park 89 (6) vs Manning 79 (2)
(Aaron Kriletich 19 - Michael Carey 22) (Jeremy Thomas 28 - William Fraser 11) (Neville Stevens 18 - Paul Smith 26) (Pamela Chalmers 24 - Wayne Heldt 20)
The Saints ain’t far off top spot & we didn’t see that before the season kicked off. 1 of only 3 teams to remain unbeaten they got the 6pts but not by much, relying on a blowout rink.
The Eagles needed a better performance than last week & they dug deep in parts but just didn’t have the class to really trouble the home side. Manning take bottom spot with another away game next week against a possible bottom half team will be double pts early in the season.
Result: Osborne Park 6 - 2
Prediction: Osborne Park 7 - 1
Joondalup 103 (8) vs Cockburn 62 (0)
(Barry Crawford 19 - Tony Krajancic 18) (James Groves 19 - Derek Gibson 16) (Jon Hunter 28 - William Tepania 11) (Shane Ernest Rixom 37 - Marc Abonnel 17)
There was a fear Joondalup might have a little hangover from the big R1 smash & grab but no cobwebs here for the ex.PL side as they bulldozed a side surely considered a strong Finals contender. Massive result & the Dolphins are probably the new yard stick now.
Yes the Titans away form might be sponsored by Sea-legs but they probably need a good double dose in R4 heading to the Saints as that form won’t get you to the big dance.
Result: Leeming 6 - 2
Prediction: Leeming 7 - 1
Leeming 88 (6) vs Gosnells 77 (2)
(Gary Ford 34 - Brett Holland 13) (James Bowden 11 - Eoghan Gahan 22) (James Newton 19 - Rue Bishop 24) (Karl Vandersluys 24 - Glenn Lynch 18)
The Lions were good but not great in getting this Agg. Nonetheless they sit 2nd unbeaten & look strong. Yes they heavily relied on that blowout rink & probably might have dropped the Agg without a massive margin in that rink.
The kookaburra’s have enough fight in 2 rinks to take some comfort & a valuable 2pts from this one. Yes 0-2 isn’t a great start for Gosnells but they’ve a big chance in R3 against the Saints. Can Leeming continue unbeaten for a few more rounds? Possible, if they can beat Titans next week, then sky is the limit.
Result: Leeming 6 - 2
Prediction: Leeming 7 - 1
North Beach 84 (6) vs Bassendean 74 (2)
(Gavin Crosthwaite 20 - Neil Strachan 21) (Mark Douthie 26 - Garry Atkinson 15) (Michael Sweeney 21 - Ian ONeill 19) (Steve Wood 17 - Jovan Krstic 19)
The home track bullies probably left this one a little too close for comfort & grabbed some late scores when the rain started to fall near the end.
Basso did well enough to get within 10 but unfortunately like Gosnells they’re wedged to the bottom & in fear of losing touch without a few Aggs. Similar with North Beach, yes mid table but if they drop a few home games early they’ll be exposed super quick on the road. Both sides need a big R3.
Result: North Beach 6 - 2
Prediction: North Beach 7 - 1
