ROUND EIGHT--------- December 15, 2009
REPORT ON ‘ONE WHITE’ 2009
REVIEW - ROUND EIGHT
Stirling See Off Challengers
Stirling proved again that they are very difficult to beat at their Jones Street headquarters.
On Saturday they defeated the previously unbeaten Kardinya Kats by 22 shots which is a big win in anyone's language.
Meanwhile Dalkeith/Nedlands were again thrust backwards after being upset by a good team but until Saturday a very out of form Osborne Park.
Manning succumbed to the strong Bassendean outfit.
Kalamunda continued on their road to bowls redemption with a big win over Cambridge and Wanneroo White woes continued at the hands of the Thornliie Ravens.
Stirling 86 (7) def Kardinya 64 (1)
No great surprise to me in this result purely because it was played at Stirling. If my memory serves me well, Stirling have not lost at home in nearly two and half years. Kardinya will get another shot but next time at home.
However, I think they will play at Stirling again this year (come finals).
Danny Comrie lost his first game of the season to Neville Stevens (who contrary to what I was told, appears to have stayed with the rink that lost the previous week).
Tony Krajancic dominated Michael Yates to the tune of 25-10 to set up the win. Wayne Heldt and rink won by a solitary shot against Shane Knott to grab a point for the Kats.
Bassendean 85 (7) def Manning 75 (1)
Despite the herculean efforts of Manning's John Francisco rink (who are one of only two unbeaten teams this year) they could not overcome the deficit of the other three rinks who lost by a total of 25 shots.
Good news for the Lions is that Brian Axford and "Colt" Patterson are close to the two best recruits in this division.
When that is combined with Justin Opie coming back into consistent winning form then it is all "blue sky" for Bassendean.
Two weeks ago I did not like their chances (although I always wanted Justin Opie to win the State fours) but I now think they are looming large.
Osborne Park 85 (6) def Dalkeith/Nedlands 79 (2)
Doug Eaton, where have you been? At the commencement of the year when I looked at this division I would have had Doug in the top wrung of skippers.
As the season unfolded and every Sunday I looked at the "Sunday Times" I pondered "wonder what is going on with Doug Eaton- he is better than that".
Well the real Doug arrived on Saturday and made another good player in John McIntosh pay for it. Doug won 34-8 and in doing so put Dalkeith back in danger.
I still do not believe Osborne Park can save themselves but it is good to see one of the gentlemen of the game come back to his best.
Doug Eaton really hitting his best form for the Saints
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Kalamunda 89 (7) def Cambridge 62 (1)
As I tipped Kalamunda continued their resurgence at the expense of the Knights. Their is still a long way to go but I think Kalamunda will survive and if they sneak into the four no one will take them lightly.
Two games were close but Neil Griffen and Bill Brandsma put in dominating performances to set up the 27 shot win.
Thornlie 103 (7) def Wanneroo 67 (1)
Beating the Ravens at home was always a tough ask. Wanneroo's only shining light was that Derek Bowen won against the previously undefeated Alan Petchell.
Ian Rewell, Paul Pohe & Glynn Vaughan had things their own way to set up the 36 shot win.
Where to from here? Thornlie probably towards the finals, Wanneroo will win some games but when four drop out they will need to win lots of games from here.
