Round Ten Preview

Before we get to the Weekend matches, a big congratulations to the Sawtell duo Noel Stahlut and Paul Bartholomew who are the MNCDBA Senior Pairs champions for 2011 after they defeated club mates Marty Beerman and Barry Brown 23-10 in the final mid week.
Noel and Paul will contest the zone final against the LNC champions in June.

As promised the result of the Grade Five final has been received with Bellingen joining Grade Seven winners Nambucca Heads as District flag holders, after they defeated Bowraville last Saturday. Bellingen ran out winners on two rinks to win the big board and will now advance to the zone finals later this year.

Going in to the tenth and potentially final round for many clubs, all five remaining grades could be determined this weekend in the MNC pennant...
In the combined First and Second Grade, Park Beach and Sawtell both have a chance to sew up their respective flags. Park Beach will play at home against West Coffs, knowing that a six nil victory will all but see them over the line as they already lead by six points and have a superior margin to their only remaining threat Sawtell. Sawtell in turn travel to Urunga knowing that a six to nil victory may also be enough provided Park Beach Seconds drop points to Coffs Ex Services. The team in the hot seat will most definitely be Sawtell, with both of their rivals having home matches. If they are to slip up, this week will be where it happens.

In Grade Three, Woolgoolga require no less than a six to nil victory over third placed Park Beach if they are to reel in leaders Nambucca Heads, who have the bye and an 11.5 point lead. If they can do so, they will play Nambucca at home in the washed out game in hand, any other result will see Nambucca handed the flag.

In Grade Four Sawtell travel to the treacherous Coffs Ex Services with the knowledge that a six to nil victory will see them crowned district champions, however with both Scotts Head and Woolgoolga ready to pounce should they slip up this grade may well have to be decided in the final round. Should it come to that, then they will to defeat the currently second placed Scotts Head for the title.

Lastly, in Grade Six, Coffs Ex Services realistically already have the flag sewn up, however they can guarantee themselves the chance to play for a zone flag by scoring a single point or more when they play away at Nambucca.

No district championships are to be held this weekend owing to Mothers day, however the following weekend will be incredibly hectic, with the senior, open and reserve single sevents commencing at three venues across the district. A preview of all three events next week...

To all involved this weekend, good luck!

Cheers,

Chippy