TOPIC:

A Grade Round 16
Both Nth Freo & West Coast have their seasons on the line this week. A win to Nth Freo will mean they still have a chance of avoiding relegation. A loss, given Kalamunda plays Mt Lawley, means relegation will be inevitable. The window of opportunity to play finals is closing fast for the Coasters and another loss this week to Nth Freo may see the window permanently locked.

Whilst Uni appear to be in the box seat to earn the first week off in the finals series, the race for 2nd and third is wide open. CBC line up against TA’s this week and Wesley next week. A loss by CBC this week means they face up to Wesley next week in another must win game.

(1) Trinity Aquinas 2nd (12 & 3) vs. CBC 3rd (11 & 4)
Last Time: TA’s def CBC by 2 points

Both CBC & TA’s were comfortable winners last week against Nth Freo & Nth Beach. The last encounter between the sides went down to the wire and I don’t expect much in it at the final siren this week. A win for TA’s should almost wrap up 2nd spot and a home final, whilst a loss for CBC will make a top three finish very difficult. The power forwards of TA’s should be the difference.
TA’s by 6 points

(2) West Coast Cowan 6th (7 & vs. North Fremantle 8th (4 & 11)
Last Time: West Coast def Nth Freo by 12 points

Despite losing five of their last seven games, I expect West Coast to bounce back this week and defeat Nth Freo. The Coasters have not lost sight that a spot in the five is still theirs to lose and a win in this match will set up a huge game against Kelmscott next week. Nth Freo are fighting for survival and must win this week or it is season over.
West Coast by 6 points

(3) Mt Lawley 10th (0 & 15) vs. Kalamunda 9th (4 & 11)
Last Time: Kalamunda def Mt Lawley by 29 points

Kalamunda almost got up last week against Wesley and will have no problems beating Mt Lawley and ensuring their fight to avoid relegation continues into the last two rounds.
Kalamunda by 36 points

(4) Kelmscott 5th (8 & 7) vs. University 1st (12 & 3)
Last time: Uni def Kelmscott by 55 points

Uni cannot afford to rock up to this game expecting an easy win. They only need to look at the history of Kelmscott last year in B Grade. The Bulldogs struggled to make the finals and then against all the odds fought through to finally pinch the flag. If Uni lose to the Bulldogs and TA’s get up over CBC, then Uni will give up top spot for the season. A win for Kelmscott against the odds, will send a message to the big four that they are not just making up numbers in this year’s finals campaign. It won’t be in this game though!
University by 30 points

(5) Wesley 4th (11 & 4) Vs North Beach 7th (6 & 9)
Last time: Wesley def North Beach by 4 points
Wesley play North Beach in a must win encounter. A loss for Wesley means an elimination final looms whilst for North Beach a win sets them up for next year and eliminates the remote possibility that they could still face relegation.
Wesley by 30 points

Most sides getting back to full strength with blokes returning from mid season jaunts overseas and interstate. With the all important top 3 double chances being decided the next 3 weeks I'm expecting some interesting results.

TA's
West Coast
Kalamunda
Uni
Wesley

Trinity Aquinas vs. CBC
TA’s by > 6gls

West Coast Cowan vs. North Fremantle
West Coast to blow their season and Nth Freo to avoid relegation
Nth Freo by < 1gl

Mt Lawley vs. Kalamunda
Kalamunda by > 7 gls

Kelmscott vs. University
University by > 7 gls

Wesley vs North Beach.
Beach to get up by < 2gls and Wesley destined for an elimination final