We all dare to dream and imagine the possibilities. Let’s face it, the anticipation is often better than the result. In my mind, Matthew Kreuzer is still the greatest ruckman in the competition and Tom Mitchell will unexpectedly recover next week to pump out a 200. What a magical world that is.
So peer into the crystal ball with me as I postulate on what might be in round 3*.
*Don’t forget, Ramble responsibly!
Defenestrators vs Shire Scourers
Last 5 record:
May 18, 2018 – Shire Scourers – 1841 – 1874
August 18, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 2024 – 1889
August 4, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1920 – 2045
May 12, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 2095 – 2052
July 7, 2016 – Shire Scourers – 1782 – 1872
Shire Scourers: 4
Defenestrators: 1
Last time they met:
Tom Mitchell and Jack Darling scored 300 between them, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Nelson’s 7 100’s and solid consistency across all lines. While Heeney and Franklin scored 218 between them and will be itching to return to that kind of form.
What tips the scales:
Big names expected back for this clash such as Ollie Wines and Andrew Gaff. Their influence may decide the match.
Verdict:
The Scourers save their best for the big games. Going with
history on this one. Scourers to bounce back this week with the win.
MaherShalalHashBaz vs The Taxmanian Devils
Last 5 record:
July 12, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1943 – 1306
April 20, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1702 – 1685
June 22, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1719 – 1414
March 30, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1784 – 1742
August 5, 2016 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1854 – 1792
MaherShalalHashBaz: 5
The Taxmanian Devils: 0
Last time they met:
The then Bailout Plan only fielded 19 players that week, and it was the beginning of the end for this administration. Robbie Gray only scoring 25, was indicative of the lack of supply to his forwards. On the other side of the fence, Jordan could almost have won with his midfield alone.
What tips the scales:
The Taxmanian Devils are under new management but this hasn’t reaped any immediate benefits so far. It’s going to take a while to unite this club and create a stable base. David Myers was one of a few players to fly the coop (or be gently nudged out the door) but he scored a handy 98 that week and which would be very appreciated by MaherShalalHashBaz.
Verdict:
MaherShalalHashBaz comes away with the win, but not by quite
as much as past years.
Rico’s Roughnecks vs The Love Sparkles
Last 5 record:
August 19, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1904 – 1893
May 25, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1863 – 1785
March 22, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1877 – 1667
August 11, 2017 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 2008 – 1795
July 28, 2017 – The Love Sparkles – 1831 – 1868
Rico’s Roughnecks: 4
The Love Sparkles: 1
Last time they met:
Luke Parker’s highest score for the year at 143 and the breakout of Brayden Fiorini (114) were too much for the Sparkles stalwarts to overcome.
What tips the scales:
Journeyman Hayden Crozier was playing in opposition colours last time they met and pumped out a 91 then. The Love Sparkles will be very happy if he replicates that result again this week.
Verdict:
Again going with history. Rico’s Roughnecks by 50.
Solomon’s Soldiers vs Such is Fyfe
Last 5 record:
May 18, 2018 – Solomon’s Soldiers – 1837 – 1773
May 25, 2017 – Such is Fyfe – 1847 – 1511
March 23, 2017 – Such is Fyfe – 2177 – 1619
July 14, 2016 – Such is Fyfe – 1846 – 1717
April 22, 2016 – Such is Fyfe – 1856 – 1794
Such is Fyfe: 4
Solomon’s Soldiers: 1
Last time they met:
You’re only as good as your last game, or so the Soldier’s will say. Patty Cripps dominated this contest with a 140, which was enough to get them over the line, even though Nathan’s team had more 100’s (6 to 5).
What tips the scales:
Caleb Daniel has found form at his new club going at 86.5 as one of the top forwards.
Verdict:
I’m backing the veteran’s to hold their nerve in this one. Such
is Fyfe to win in a close contest.
Puttanesca Chiefs vs The Redshins
Last 5 record:
July 20, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1963 – 1676
April 27, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1810 – 1645
May 25, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1971 – 1902
March 23, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1847 – 1675
August 5, 2016 – The Redshins – 1955 – 1963
Puttanesca Chiefs: 4
The Redshins: 1
Last time they met:
Orazio Fantasia put on a clinic kicking 5 goals for a 116. Coach Symes had Alex Rance and Tom Doedee in that team and they played like they had torn their ACL’s, scoring 71 between them (too soon?)
What tips the scales:
Ricky Henderson has changed allegiances and scored an 89 when they last met. Based on his start to the season, coach Buscumb can expect a similar result. While coach Symes will spend the week searching for the Monstar’s and demand they return his Richmond players their fantasy talent back.
Verdict:
Puttanesca Chiefs win. Don’t overthink it.