The chat has been quiet on the C1 front the last few weeks, but I can't sit back and let the grand final come and go without some activity.
All eyes are on Kingsway Sporting Complex for the conclusion of the C1 and Ian Dargie seasons on Saturday.
Ian Dargie Colts
Kalamunda vs Willeton
The 2 best sides are in the GF and rightfully so. This is a replay of the 1st Semi Final in which Kalamunda won by 8 points. Kalamunda had the advantage of the week off, but Willeton won last week with a bit of a buffer. But how important is the week off when it comes to colts? Willeton finished top of the ladder, and boast a couple of the better players for the year in their ranks. For me I think that matters.
Willeton by 9 points.
C1 Reserves
Melville vs Carlisle
Notjing split the top 4 sides in C1 reserves at the end of the year, all finishing with 7 wins so season form means nothing. A better percentage saw Melville earn the right at a double chance and they didnt need it in the end winning the 1st Semi and booking their ticket in the GF. Carlisle went the hard way around, winning back to back finals to claim their place. Melville has 2 sides in GFs on the day, so that could test their depth. Carlisle on the other hand have had the advantage of managing their list since earlier in the year with a struggling league squad. Carlisle last few weeks have been impressive, but Mevlilles form can't be ignored either.
Melville by 12 points.
C1 League
Melville vs Ocean Ridge
1 vs 2 on the normal season ladder, replay of the 1st Semi and 3rd time these sides will meet this year. Previous 2 meetings were decided by a combined 10 points and split a win a piece each. Melville won the first semi, and would have enjoyed the week off to freshen up and prepare. Ocean Ridge came from behind to blow Thornlie away in the prelim to stake their claim on favoritism. Two different styles, Ocean Ridge playing the wide open space and Melville enjoying the contested ball and just surging the ball forward via pressure. Plenty of game winners on each side, capable of bursts which can blow the game open or reduce a seeming insurmountable lead to nothing. This is going to be a cracker! I like Melville in this one, week off is important, form is good with a winning streak since round 1 and the only loss was to Ocean Ridge where they had a brain fade and blew a substantial lead in the last quarter.
Melville by 16 points.
Good luck to all sides and supporters. Given what was faced earlier in the season it is hard to believe we have finally made it to this point. Its a remarkable effort by all sides to get to this point and for the winners, its a premiership they should celebrate and enjoy immensely.
