TOPIC:

Footy is back after a well earnt week off, and as we reach the half way point of the year the ladder is starting is stretch out a bit in C1. Big weekend of football with some important games as always, with the weather looking a bit on the moist side.

Melville 4th (WWLWW) vs Bassendean 2nd (WLLWW)
Probably the most interesting game of the round, with 4th playing 2nd with only a game and significant percentage separating them. Won't do too much to the ladder positions regardless, but will tell us a lot about both clubs. Melville are inconsistent, winning a game you'd expect them to lose and losing 2 games they should have won but are just getting the job done none the less. Basso have proved themselves against the lesser teams but struggled against the ladder leaders and on paper this should be an even contest. Melville always play better at home, and the conditions will suit them. But Basso are more consistent and should win by 12 points.

Bullcreek 10th (LLLWL) vs Gosnells 3rd (WWLLW)
On paper looks very one sided, but Gosnells have the wobbles and didn't blow Stirling away before the bye to fully steady the nerves. Bullcreek lost their gun forward in Bristow who won them the games vs Quinns and the honeymoon period for their new coach has ended and subsequently went back to pre-winless form against Basso. Depends what Bullcreek side shows up, and also what Gosnells side shows up? That being said, Gosnells shouldn't have any trouble in this one. Gosnells by 25.

Carlisle 7th (WWWLL) vs Quinns Districts 9th (LLWLL)
Interesting game this one also in terms of the relegation battle, as a win to Carlisle puts 3 games between them and 9th and a loss to Quinns makes the job very hard for survival having to win at least 3-4 of their last 9 to stay up. One thing we are learning about Carlisle is they are a better side at home. This is one they should, and will, win. Carlisle by 21.

Kenwick 6th (LLWWL) vs Willeton 5th (LWWLW)
2nd most interesting match of the round. Both on equal wins, big percentage difference, but a chance here to go ahead of the ledger for both teams and put their hand up for a finals spot. Form means nothing coming off a bye, so this is even keel. Kenwick are good at home, and play a hard brand of footy. But the open expanses of Mills Park could help Willeton get on the outside and dictate play in the open with their bruise free brand of football. Kenwick at home by 7.

Stirling 8th (LLLLL) vs Ballajura 1st (WWWWW)
Could not have any more different than these two have had. Stirling are having a nightmare and probably needed the bye more than anyone. Hopefully they got some of their better cattle back as they need some class. Ballajura are in cruise control, winning easily against the good and bad sides. Even with Stirling fielding their best possible 22 I don't think it will be enough. Ballajura by 41. And a massive margin in the reserves.

Morning all,
No big surprises on the weekend, with results going as expected. Stand out game was the Melville vs Basso match up with the Rams taking care of 2nd place Basso quite easily in the end.
Gosnells a comfortable win over Bullcreek, Carlisle easily over Quinns and Ballajura taking care of Stirling has set up a 3 way battle for relegation now. Stirling have a 2 game buffer on 9th, so matches against Kenwick, Bullcreek and Quinns over the next 6 weeks are critical.

Down at Melville Reserve and the weather held off and was a reasonably pleasant day for footy. Bit of wind which favored one end but stayed dry however the oval would be listed as a heavy 8 under foot !

In the top of the table colts clash, the Rams came out victors by nearly 50 points to stamp their authority on the comp again. They led from start to finish, and dominated play albeit for a 10min period at the start of the 3rd qtr where they came out a bit flat after half time. Discipline is a key in any level of footy, and something Basso need to keep in check when things aren't going their way. When the momentum starts to turn, it can be magnified 10 fold through 50s and silly free kicks and that is what killed the Basso comeback in the 3rd.

Reserves was literally a game of 2 halves. Was only a bit over a kick the difference at half time, with the contest very even. In the 3rd however Basso flexed their muscle and a 2 goal to 9 second half, with 5 of them early in the 3rd put it out of reach. They just had a bit too much class in the midfield and made the most of the center clearances. Inaccurate kicking helped Melville stay in the game for as long as they did, and the intensity dropped in the last as Basso stretched away.

In the league it was Melville by 33. The Rams are a much better side at home, and play the confines of the smaller oval very well. Basso have a clear game plan to play on at all costs, and that got them into trouble as it can get congested at Melville Reserve. Mevlilles tackling pressure was spot on, lost track of how many holding the ball decisions went their way. Melvilles forward line was just too strong and big, when the ball is moved quick it allows a lot of 1on1's inside forward 50 and Melville made the most of it. Look forward to seeing Basso in the return fixture as their style of play has obviously paid dividends for them on bigger ovals.

For Melville, they have ticked 1 box of the 3 big questions, with Gosnells and Ballajura to come. Worst case scenario they enter round 12 at 6-5 with 6 very winnable games in a row to follow. They would be reasonable happy with their position and would fancy themselves next week against Gosnells.

Basso, another loss to a top 4 side has them 0-3 in those fixtures for the first half of the year. They have a pretty soft draw over the next 4 weeks before facing Gosnells and Ballajura again. They are sitting pretty and whilst disappointed, would not be concerned. Need to find some form against the top sides, so really looking forward to their response in 5 weeks.

Would love to hear any other match reports?

Thanks Get Around him for the preview and Reviews! It's always appreciated.
Surprised that you didn't go with your usual tip of Melville this week. Had you lost faith?
Gotta wonder if that fired them up against Basso.

Morning
The Golden Fleece thought he would have his say from Port Douglas
Well done to the RAMS on saturday a long way to go in the season but 6&3 a fair start.
I am sure many of our knockers would have penciled us in as bottom of the heap.
Hey POSTMAN fire up your chargers for the second half of the season.
Thats ALL

Kenwick V Willeton

Im sure I am not the only one who was thinking this game was going to be really close. With Kenwick having some great performances and some not so great performances. Willeton look like they can beat anyone on the day and with injuries plaguing them I would have thought they'll sneak into the top 5 and make a real dent come finals time.

The game was leaning towards Willeton's side for the get go and with some big tackles by kenwick injuring a couple of the Willeton players it looked like it could be a game that could end up going kenwicks way.

After a second quater disgracefull umpiring display, they must have had a chat at half time because after half time improved.

Willeton kicked away with it and apart from the first half kenwick really never looked like getting back into the game.

And as usual the willeton boys copped abuse from the stands when walking off.

Thats footy crows feet

Passionate supporters.... happens at any sporting venue these days.

Yeah right,

I cant say that I have ever stood over the top of an opposition team who won by nearly 50 points abusing them after the game calling them soft & Weak C^nts just after your team has been belted.

Guess you and I have different ways dealing with a loss.

crows feet, clearly you have not played against Kenwick before????

I can tell you from experience they will treat you like that, win loose or draw, but they will welcome you into their club afterwards, and offer you beers. They play it hard, they like to challenge you mentally, but the respect and drink with you afterwards to show they enjoy the game

Exactly premiership hang over.