Pennant Preview

Round One of The Mid North Coast Pennant Competition starts this weekend, with six teams competing in the combined First and Second Grade Event. 

West Coffs has named a team with three new faces, being Corey and Glenn Wedlock, and Rod Hiscock, and will be looking to continue the strong form that saw them take out the second grade title last year. The side would be even money with reigning first grade champs Park Beach to win the overall title in this combined division, and more importantly the first grade flag.

Team: Corey Wedlock,Martin Wilson, Shawn Wilson, Tony Wills. 
            Geoff Flynn, Cameron Wills, Andrew Campbell, Rod Hiscock.
            Laurie Miles, Gary Launt, Glenn Wedlock, Stuart Hartigan.


Park Beach Firsts have no less than five changes to the team that won last years district and zone first grade crowns, however all changes have come from within house. All three leads named for round one will be making their debut in the one's whilst some familiar faces return to the top flight...

Team: Stephen Kennedy, Terry Kadwell, John Bain, Ric Southam.
            Bob Bain, Cory Daley, Rod Farmer, Mark Menzies.
            Steve Plumb, Wayne Rowbottom, Graeme Colman, Col Pritchard.

Sawtell have also named a few new players in their side which is hoping to take out the Grade Two flag. Journeyman Phil Hall has made the jump from Park Beach and is expected to team with former Nambucca clubmate Graeme Purvis for what should be a formidable rink.

Team: Noel Stahlut, John Townsend, Graeme Purvis, Phil Hall.
            Neil Davidson, Dennis Bond, Greg Cridge, P T Clarke.
            Ray Cridge, Ben Proctor, Paul Bartholomew, Ian Weldon.

Coffs Ex Services may have dropped back to Second Grade, but despite losing two of last years skippers, the side looks very competitive. The ever reliable Dallas Cole will steer the ship, however it will be Grant Blom, promoted to a skippers position that could hold the key to their success. It will the teams away form that determines their fate.

Team: Brian Saville, John Robinson, Erwin Hodikin, Aden Pike.
            Doug Burridge, Doug Powell, Garry Herbert, Grant Blom.
            Alby McLean, Derry McLean, John  Diggleman, Dallas Cole.

Park Beach Seconds appear to have a strong mix of youth and experience, and provided they can get off to a good start, could be the dark horse of the second grade sides. If the front ends can perform, the skippers have the experience to cause a lot of damage...

Team: Josh Hicks, Alan Carver, Charlie Attard, Rob Wardrop.
            Ben Jacquin, Barry Garner, Don Wood, Peter Woodsell.
            Neil Williams, Quinton Dalrymple, Phil Toy, Laurie Morris.

Urunga are the new kids on the block after taking out the third grade last season. On paper the teams appear well balanced and very competitive. Whether the club is up to the standard of the other first and second grade sides.. only time will tell.

Round One: (home sides first)
West Coffs Vs Sawtell 
Urunga Vs Park Beach Two
Coffs Ex Vs Park Beach One

The early prediction that the first grade will be decided in round ten by the clash between the two first grade sides still stands. However in Grade two, any four of the teams appear capable of taking the title. I'll stick my neck out and say Parky two's just ahead of Sawtell.

Results for all grades will be posted as they come to hand.
Good luck to all bowlers in every grade!

Til Next Time,

Chippy