Redshins (1901) vs Solomon’s Soldiers (1843)
The headline act from this match is surely the epic win from the Redshins in a high-scoring match. Last week, Chris’ mob scored1369. Which makes this week effort an incredible 39% increase in scoring output. If I had a 39% increase on scoring output from last week, I would’ve scored 2803.
Sometimes, ultimate footy can provide relief when your actual footy team is struggling. Other times, it can double your pain. Alex would be smarting from Adelaide’s loss to Richmond, as well as the fact that four Redshins chalked up centuries in that game – Martin (114), Cotchin (103), Ellis (101) and Doedee (106). As for Chris, viewing the tiger’s dominance and the Redshins pile on the points would have doubled his delight.
Credit to the Soldiers. This is the second week in a row that they have eclipsed the 1800 barrier. They have actually had a fair share of respectable losses, as opposed to soul-crushing losses. Alex had five centurions. The one in finest form is Angus Brayshaw (113), who is the hottest defender in the competition right now. Although Coach Symes will hope Tom Cutler (142) plays Carlton every week because then Tom could take that mantle.
Rico’s Roughnecks (1870) vs Defenestrators (1861)
A surprising slip-up from the premiership favourite. But what an epic encounter, worthy of a top-three clash. This was way more exciting than the Philippines vs Australia basketball game. But not quite as exciting as the brawl, but hey. After a 269 point win and a 152 point loss as the last two matches, Coach Ritchie escaped with a 9 point margin this week.
The Roughnecks scored their highest score since Round 8, largely thanks to eight centuries, with an incredible 150 from Devon Smith. Rico’s Roughnecks had a huge lead entering the last game. But Paul’s eagles and giants made it frenetic viewing – Hurn (94), Coniglio (104), Gaff (146) and Kelly (89) all performed admirably and almost stole the points. Even when twenty-one points down and only a couple minutes to go, Gaff gobbled another two +6s to make the margin uncomfortably close. In the end, credit to the Roughnecks, they caught the Defenestrators at one of their lower ebbs and had enough big performances to take the points.
We all know that Paul is still a huge favourite to take out the title. But this game just goes to show that Paul is capable of being beaten. Perhaps there is a loss awaiting the Defenestrators in August. We will wait and see.
Shire Scourers (1721) vs The Bailout Plan (1564)
Nelson is king of this. Having his shockers when he verses someone having a bigger shocker. In a week of high-scoring and close fantasy footy encounters, this game was the exception.
The two lowest scores in the league occurred in the same game. They both trotted out poor performances that I can’t even bring myself to discuss in greater detail. This is one of Nelson’s lowest scores since that last time these two played. What’s worse, this is Luke’s lowest score since the last time these two played. I don’t know what it is about this match-up, but it brings out the worst in both teams. The last time they played, Shire Scourers 1699 defeated The Bailout Plan 1573. League management has looked at this data and decided to launch next season with a Scourers – Bailout Plan Friday night blockbuster.
The Love Sparkles (2049) vs Puttanesca Chiefs (2009)
In stark contrast, this match was full of high-scoring. Clayton Oliver (141) was immense for the Puttanesca Chiefs, but he was outgunned by Jack Redden (143) and Luke Breust (151) for the Love Sparkles. Even the ever-reliable Brodie Grundy (122) was bested in the ruck by Todd Goldstein (132). Mark brought the heat, but the Sparkles had the answer at every turn.
And it could have been an even higher-scoring contest. Jarryd Roughead (112) was in the reserves for the Love Sparkles. Steven Motlop (112) scored his century for the year in the reserves, as did Robbie Tarrant (101) over at the Puttanesca Chiefs.
It was a great week for our league, with the top two teams, and two hottest flag favourites, showing that, whilst still very good, they can be beaten.
Given that there was only a forty point margin, and Mark played well all weekend, I will give a special shout-out to the eagles who gave Dad a win – namely, Jamie Cripps (98), Luke Shuey (96) and Jack Redden (143). Their performances gave that awesome feeling of double delight – where both Ultimate Footy and actual footy results go your way.
Such is ‘Fyfe’ (1802) vs MaherShalalHashBaz (1860)
I appear to be the master of escaping close scrapes. Nathan is the master of entering into close scrapes, but being edged out. It was with a degree of predictability that I just eclipsed Nathan in this encounter.
Coach MacLaren showed his wares early in the piece, by withdrawing Kade Simpson late, just so he could accept the score of Stephen Hill (112). Eight players scored a ton for Such is ‘Fyfe’. It’s unfortunate that nine players couldn’t make it to 70.
I didn’t track much footy this weekend, but I did make an effort to update myself on the Collingwood-Essendon game. Mainly because I had a whopping 8-1 advantage in that match-up and I thought it would make for pleasant viewing. It did not. It was by far the most unpleasant 8-1 advantage I have ever tracked lived. I had spuds like Stringer (50), Mayne (53) and Thomas (41) barely move, whilst Nathan’s one was the ever impressive Scott Pendlebury (123), who wasn’t even on track for a century at three quarter time, let alone a big century. Thankfully, Zach Merrett (124) and Dyson Heppell (97), did enough for me. The equation for me after that penultimate match was simply I win if Harrison Himmelberg scores more than -3 in the second half. He did.
I have identified my team barometer too.
|
|
Weeks 1-6 |
Rounds 7-15 |
|
Dayne Zorko’s Average |
66.5 |
118.3 |
|
MSHB Average Score |
1751 |
1895 |
|
MSHB Wins and Losses |
3-3 |
5-2 |
I am now on my biggest run of the year – three in a row – and hopefully hitting my straps for an August assault.