As Alex has rightfully pointed out, 3 correct calls means I’m getting better. I don’t want to overawe you with my predictive prowess all at once. The law of averages saw scoring much closer than last week with 4 teams scoring within 12 points of each other. It’s shaping up to be a cracking season.

So let’s walk through the fog of the future and stumble upon some predictions.

The Taxmanian Devils vs The Love Sparkles

Last 5 record:

May 18, 2018 – The Love Sparkles – 1915 – 1679

July 14, 2017 – The Love Sparkles – 1735 – 1622

April 21, 2017 – The Love Sparkles – 1872 – 1854

May 27, 2016 – The Taxmanian Devils – 1583 – 1774

March 24, 2016 – The Taxmanian Devils – 1819 – 1929

The Love Sparkles: 3

The Taxmanian Devils: 2

Last time they met:

What looks to be a good tight contest on the surface, has slowly turned into a smashing. Every encounter between these teams the margin has increased in The Love Sparkles favour. Jake Lloyd played out of his skin for 163 and 130+ to Zaharakis and Howe made this a comfortable win. While the then Bailout Plan, had Shaun McKernan (100) as their highest scorer. Enough said.

What tips the scales:

Tom Stewart (55) had a dour day. His recent run of form should only increase the pain on the Taxmanian Devils. And the aforementioned Lloyd is in scintillating form, not dropping below 120 points this season. While Harris Andrews had an 84 the last time they met and an 87 last week, to give coach Bernardi’s something to think about in defence, and Trent Dumont has 2 games of 100+ in row (just thought I’d name drop this guy once more :P).

Verdict:

The Love Sparkles will extend their 3 game winning streak here.

Rico’s Roughnecks vs Defenestrators

Last 5 record:

July 5, 2018 – Rico’s Roughnecks – 1870 – 1861

April 13, 2018 – Defenestrators – 1834 – 1968

August 25, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1924 – 1886

July 14, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1991 – 2052

April 21, 2017 – Defenestrators – 1974 – 2104

Rico’s Roughnecks: 1

Defenestrators: 4

Last time they met:

You’re only as good as your last game, and the Roughneck’s brought the heat to break a 4 game drought against coach Zerna. Devon Smith (150) set the tone, and despite a poor performance from Gary Ablett (54) and Kyle Langford heading to the bench early (55), there were enough solid scores for coach Ritchie to get the chocolates.

What tips the scales:

Michael Hibberd spudded up for the Defenestrators (62) and has continued this trend since. But maybe the first clash against his old side might fire him up. While Jaeger O’Meara’s availability will be a huge factor in the Roughneck’s chances, starting the year off with a 120 point average. Andrew Gaff is dropping jaws, but this time it’s with his fantasy scores not his fists, with a big 134 in last weeks outing and a massive 146 last time these teams met. His return should make life difficult for the Roughnecks.

Verdict:

I’ll back in ma’ boiz and tip Defenestrators to win by a hair.

The Redshins vs Shire Scourers

Last 5 record:

May 25, 2018 – Shire Scourers – 1847 – 1643

March 22, 2018 – Shire Scourers – 1901 – 1555

June 22, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 1993 – 1852

March 30, 2017 – Shire Scourers – 1827 – 1530

July 22, 2016 – Shire Scourers – 1795 – 1736

The Redshins: 0

Shire Scourers: 5

Last time they met:

Josh Caddy surprised everyone with a team high 139. Heath Shaw rolled back the clock with a vintage 123 point performance. While the Redshins had a respectable 6 tons including a massive 152 from Toby McLean. Unfortunately Jack Riewoldt (1) subbed out injured in an all too familiar story for the Redshins, and was among 5 scorers under 50 for his team.

What tips the scales:

The record may sit at 5-0, but in 2019 both teams currently sit tied on 1-3. Michael Walters had ‘that game’ of 125 last time they met, and with 2 95+ games on the trot, he’s the guy who can win or lose it for you. While Franklin bounced back with an 88, and has a point to prove after only a 51 against the Redshins last time they met. Elliot Yeo is building into form too with a 105 last week.

Verdict:

Backing in history, with the Scourers to find their ring this week, but I think the ladder positions is a truer reflection of how close this game may be.

Puttanesca Chiefs vs The Lethal Vipers

Last 5 record:

May 25, 2018 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1826 – 1733

July 21, 2017 – Puttanesca Chiefs – 1908 – 1613

April 28, 2017 – The Lethal Vipers – 1921 – 1994

June 3, 2016 – The Lethal Vipers – 1786 – 1800

April 1, 2016 – The Lethal Vipers – 1676 – 1834

Puttanesca Chiefs: 2

The Lethal Vipers: 3

Last time they met:

The usual suspects were at it again for the Chiefs, with Rory Laird (125) and Brodie Grundy (124) leading the charge. Coach Nathan could match the highs, with Luke Ryan (124) and Kade Simpson (124) showing how it’s done, and Jack Henry and Charlie Spargo popping up for 84 each, but in the end there were not enough contributors. Scary to think that Alex Witherden, Tim Kelly, Jack Gunston and Daniel Rich all scored below 60 for the Chiefs in this game.

What tips the scales:

Tim Kelly had a horrid day last time they met (57) and matched that in last week’s efforts. However, he otherwise hasn’t dropped below 93, and his bounce back would be icing on the cake.

Interesting to note that the newly rebranded Lethal Vipers sport a winning record against the Chiefs, but the last 2 have gone against them. The biggest unknown in this matchup is what impact will the name change and the influx of new players have on this team’s record? They may be looking to the future, but the impacts of these changes will be felt right away, for better or worse.

Verdict:

That new change smell, may get soured for coach Nathan for at least one week. Puttanesca Chiefs keep rolling on with a win here.

MaherShalalHashBaz vs Solomon’s Soldiers

Last 5 record:

August 3, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1693 – 1832

May 11, 2018 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1753 – 1759

July 28, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1838 – 1578

May 5, 2017 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1862 – 1725

July 29, 2016 – MaherShalalHashBaz – 1678 – 1749

MaherShalalHashBaz: 5

Solomon’s Soldiers: 0

Last time they met:

When MaherShalalHashBaz beat up on someone, they really beat up on them and the Soldiers have been one of those teams. Dayne Zorko broke free from the tagging shackles and unleashed his fury with a 154. While it must bring a tear to coach Jordan’s eyes to see Zach Merrett (134), Josh Dunkley (127) and Tom McDonald (97) help secure this win. While Angus Brayshaw (146) and a surprise 90 from Jarryn Geary, were about the only bright spots in a disappointing display for Solomon’s Soldiers.

What tips the scales:

Coach Jordan is left scratching his head as to what magical spell has sucked the life out of his aforementioned players. At least Merrett put up a 128 last week to show that he is building back to his best, but Coach Jordan is still looking for signs of life from his other stars. While Bryce Gibbs and Jack Steven’s absence has sparked questions in the media as to what is really going on inside this club.

While the Solomon’s Soldiers must have bought a new suit, because they look like a completely different outfit. 6 players averaging over 100, 3 of those over 120, this is going to be a tough unit to defeat.

Verdict:

I can’t deny them 3 weeks in a row. Solomon’s Soldiers win this match up. But if they lose, it’s a clear sign I’ve stolen their soul, and their match up results are at the mercy of my predictions.