Round Five will feature the clash of the titans in the combined First and Second Grade division of the MNC pennants today when the two first grade sides meet. Although after consecutive defeats Sawtell aren't exactly living up to their status as a top contender. On paper the side is certainly strong enough, but just hasn't been able to find their rhythm in their last two encounters. Hosting a Park Beach side today that has only dropped one and a half points over the opening four rounds the Sawtell faithful will be desperate to take down the leading side and get their season back on track.
Second and Third place on the ladder will also clash today when Nambucca Heads host Park Beach Seconds. Only half a point separates the two teams, and Nambucca will be looking to take full advantage of their home green knowledge to gain the upper hand moving into the second half of the season. Both sides are coming off good victories last round, with this match perhaps the hardest to select a winner for.
Finally, West Coffs hosts Urunga in a match neither side can afford to lose. Both sides have shown glimpses of what they are capable of, but find themselves in a situation where another loss will make things very difficult, particularly Urunga who are already struggling to stay in touch.
In Grade Three, Park Beach and Woolgoolga go head to head with the winner likely to finish the round at the top of the leader board, courtesy of Coffs Ex Services having the bye. In the other clash, Sawtell face Scotts Head, the loser of this match will virtually be out of contention so a big match is expected.
Grade Four sees the top four positioned teams all playing each other. Bellingen host leaders Park Beach, whilst second placed Urunga host Nambuca Heads. With all four sides within four and a half points of each other, any of them could finish the day at the head of the table.
Coffs Ex Services will look to stretch their lead when they host Woolgoolga in Grade five today. Second placed Macksville will host third placed Bowraville, both hoping to stay in touch with the leading side. West Coffs travels to Stuarts Point in the other match, West Coffs also needing to win big to stay in touch, whilst the Point will be happy just to record a victory.
Grade Six appears to be the most unpredictable of all the grades so far, with five sides all within four and a half points of each other at the top of the ladder. After their shock loss last week, leaders Nambucca will look to get back to their winning ways when they host fourth placed Sawtell. Second placed Urunga host third placed North Beach, whilst Park Beach won't be taking West Coffs lightly after their shock victory last round.
In Section One in Grade Seven, Nambucca will travel to last placed Sawtell hoping to assume leadership with a good win, as leaders Bowraville have the bye. Sawtell's season will be all but over should they not win today. Park Beach host Macksville in another match where a loss will resign the losers to only making up the numbers, with the sides equal on seven points, already eleven in arrears of Bowraville.
Section Two sees Park Beach hosting Urunga, with the victors almost certainly leading the ladder by the close of play. Coffs currently sit atop but are serving the bye this round. Woolgoolga host Sawtell in the other match, with the losing side also kissing their hopes of a flag this season goodbye.
Good Luck to all involved!
Chippy
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