TOPIC:

Righto, so after possibly another scoreboard issues (Maddog I also saw the results that had Cockburn victors over Ballajura last week) we start the second round of the year. C3 is very competitive with the top 5 far from settled. So in the second round will we see a side from outside the five start to make a run at the finals, will we see a side in the 5 slip, or are things about right as they are. Personally I think the 5 is far from settled and as we have seen over the past few weeks anyone on their day can be competitive. The battle for relegation is down to one spot and I see Cockburn and the Valley fighting this out, (though that could change if one of those sides can string a few wins together)

So Round 10 sees us start with the two sides fighting relegation

Cockburn v Swan Valley
I contemplated giving this game match of the round status, because of whats at stake for the looser, but not to be. When they played in round 1 it was Cockburn winning by 5 points out at the valley. One expects the return game to be just as close. Cockburn nearly pulled off the upset of the year last week, and the Valley were competitive in patches against Piara Waters. I expect this one to be close like the first round, but I think Cockburn at home will be just to good. On a side note and just a comment, there seems to be some good players at Swan Valley playing reserves and not league, not sure why, some of them didn't look that old.

Dianella Morley v Ellenbrook - Match of the round for me based on what's at stake
Dianella Morley won the first hit out for these two sides and again I expect this one to be close. DM seem to have the wobbles lately, loosing to a competitive Swan View last week and just beating Manning the week before. Ellenbrook have continued to win and win well, having comfortably accounted for SNESA last week. Based on that form you would expect them to win easily this week, I think they will win but DM have pride at home and wont want to drop a game they need to win. The winner stays in the top three, the looser drops a game behind which is what both sides want to avoid. Ellenbrook just

Manning v Swan View
Swan View got up comfortably in round 1 and they are in winning form, which is good form. Swan View have an ability to not allow sides to play their own way, and this will be the challenge for a Manning side that is improving each week. Manning are coming off a big win last week and will have their tales up at home hoping to get a big scalp before the years out. I rate Swan View and think they will play finals which means they should win this one, but it would not surprise me to see Manning get home. Swan View in a close game

SNESA v Ballajura - SNESA has been a hard one to get a read on this year, they seem to have some talent, they just struggle when the pressure really goes on. Ballajura bounced back last week and got over the line. Im sure it was a good game for Ballajura to win, you cant always play your best but good teams find a way to win. Ill pick Ballajura to win this one and stay in the top three however again I would not be surprised to see it close at the end of the day.

Secret Harbour v Piara Waters - Piara Waters have exceeded all expectations at this stage of the year, and have had a few things go their way. Secrets are struggling and as a club its important they circle the wagons, keep players happy and on the park, and start planning for next year now. Piara Waters to win.

Good luck gentlemen, enjoy Saturday. It looks like it could be wet which will make it fun for all. Enjoy the game, continue to play in the right spirits and enjoy the beers with the opposition after the game. Looking forward to see what others have to say about this week, the first round and the way things could end up come 5.00pm round 18.

Cockburn
Ellenbrook
Swan View
Ballajura
Piara Waters

Cockburn
DM
View
Balla
Piara

As has been stated in recent weeks,the c3 comp this year is extremely even. I know we are only half way through this season but the 2 clubs that end up getting promotion will have to improve significantly in order to survive the jump in grade. Success one year can mean pain for 1 or 2 years and sometimes even more.
But we are about the here and now and as we have it there are 6 sides fighting for 5 spots. Manning is probably a game too far back. If the View get up this weekend then the 5 should be set and then it will just be a matter of how they sort themselves out.

A quick summary of my thoughts at the midway point.
PIARA- not the standout team you'd think they are if taking a quick glance at the ladder. They've won a couple of close ones that they probably shouldn't have but coming up in grade they've done a great job to secure a finals birth already.
BALLAJURA- were my early season tip based on last years finish and the fact that they are the strongest club in the comp with 4 competitive teams . In recent weeks have dropped off a bit and I'm less convinced. If ever Balla is to move up from C3 the time is now so I'm expecting a strong 2nd half.
EELENBROOK-another club that has been in the mix in c3 for a number of years and you wonder if they don't get promotion this year then when will they? Probably when Sails is in a nursing home(which mustn't be too far away)but still their best player lol. They'll choke!
DIANELLA-a fickle bunch down at Light St. Your never sure what you'll get. Their best is brilliant but can they deliver that on a regular basis? Recent form says no and I'm inclined to follow the form. Their depth isn't as good as Balla or the Eels so while they will make the 5 I don't think they can win it at this stage.
SWAN VIEW-the talent is there at The View but can they get that talent together enough times to make the 5. At the moment you'd say yes but they could be vulnerable to a lack of depth. I've no doubt from what I've seen that if they get anywhere close to their best team on the park that they can beat anyone. My new dark horse.

SNESA- disappointing for mine! Coming down a grade and with Florio joining the group you'd think they'd be better than 4-5. Still time to make the 5 but they will probably have to beat 2 sides already in their.
MANNING - depth has been a major issue for the rippers in recent seasons and it's no different here. They have improved but not enough to make the 5.
COCKBURN- C3 cellar dwellers for a number of seasons and nothing has changed. Locked in a relegation battle and going down might be a good thing.
SWAN VALLEY- it seems the return of the rivalry with The View and Eelenbrook May last only one year. This could change however if some of the Ressies weren't in it for just themselves. I've heard one ressies player of a league standard didn't want to play league so the Pres said if that's the case you won't play at all. The Ressies coach picked him and played him anyway.
Secret Harbour- classic case of coming up when not ready. Hopefully the club cam rebuild.

TIPS
COCKBURN vs SWAN VALLEY- the loser here will be relegated. I hope it's not the Valley so Swan View can keep beating them in the years to come.
Valley by a point
DIANELLA vs EELENBROOK- 50/50 game! Dianella have been off in recent weeks and while it won't surprise to see them get up I reckon the Eels can go a long way towards securing the straight sets exit.
MANNING vs SWAN VIEW- you'd think after last weeks big win that the View are certs,I'm not so sure and this is a danger game! I'll tip the view by a couple of goals but won't be surprised to see a Ripper win.
SNESA vs BALLAJURA - another 50/50 game imo. 2 weeks ago I'd've said Balla by 4-5 goals and then again Snesa have disappointed also.
Balla
SECRET HARBOUR vs PIARA WATERS- lock in the 100+ points to Piara.

C3 Round 10

Swan Valley
Dianella/Morley
Swan View
Ballajura
Piara waters

Cockburn
Ellenbrook
Manning
Ballajura
Piara Waters

Cockburn
DM
Manning
Balla
Piara

Swan Valley
Ellenbrook
Manning
Ballajura
Piara Waters

Good write up PH and MD, love reading everyones thoughts. (not good at doing my own)

Well its halfway through the season and its shaping up to be a cracker of a second half. I haven't done the tips in a while and forgot to put mine in last week

But here is the tipping ladder at halfway stage

name total
Maddog 37
Whitey 36
Junior 36
Loves a Punt 35
Koopaloop 34
Unintentional Shank 34
Oshp 34
Lenko 34
Premiership hangover 32
License 29
Shaun the sheep 28
Packing the goodes 26
Sand surfer 23
Old warrior 21
The Recruiter 16
Banga 12
Ohno 12
country buck 16
Misled Mind 9
fl87 7
red boots 4

still a close one just like the games and anyone can win it.

rd 10
valley
ellen
manning
balla
piara

goodluck to all

Swan valley
Ellenbrook
Manning
Ballajura
Piara Waters