It's finally arrived! That special time of year where the clubs of the Mid North Coast go head to head chasing the elusive state flags on offer.
The combined first and second grade division sees Sawtell step up to challenge Park Beach in the first grade, and Nambucca Heads rejoin Urunga, Park Beach Two's and West Coffs in the second grade.
Sawtell are believed to have picked up a couple of quality players from out of the region, and will look to continue the good form that saw them claim the district second grade flag last season. They will be hoping to be the club that finally breaks what is now a seven year dominance of the first grade by Park Beach. The reigning champions will be without the services of Col Pritchard this season after Pritchard moved north, however the side will welcome the return of Jim Swan.
West Coffs have also lost some players of note such as Sean Wilson (moved north), Rod Hiscock, Geoff Flynn and Tony Wills (Coffs Ex Services) and will be looking to some of their up and coming players to step up. If they are to succeed it will be on the back of younger players stepping up such as Martin Wilson, and ex juniors Cameron Wills and Ben Watson.
Urunga did well last year to avoid relegation and will again take the unwanted tag of wooden spoon favourites, mostly on the back of losing Josh Forbes and Brett Sinnott to rivals Park Beach. The club however has tremendous fighting spirit and a lot of underestimated talent and will be a thorn in the side of every side they play.
Park Beach Two's looks very different to last season, with two new skippers in Dennis Brown and Aden Pike joining 2011 revelation Rob Wardrop at the helm of the rinks. Time will tell if the changes reap reward.
Finally, Nambucca Heads make a welcome return to the combined top flight. The side is littered with quality players such as Geoff Beatie and Tony Urquhart, and young gun Danny Gilmore, and are quite rightly feared at home more than any other club. The club is capable of finishing first or last more so than any other.
This weekend the home club advantage will face the ultimate test when Nambucca Host Park Beach Firsts, whilst the rivalry is set to grow between West Coffs and Sawtell when they clash at West Coffs. Urunga will host Park Beach Two's in the final match up of the weekend.
Information on other grades to come...
Good Luck to all
Chippy
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