Wow, we are back into it this weekend (yes I know that A grade started last week). As you look through the teams in A Grade this season, I think there are 8 team who would think they are a chance of making the finals of which I would agree with 7 of them.
Greensborough vs GMBC - I know this was played last week, as stated earlier, however how about a quick thought. Greens will be hungry this season. They always put a unit on the field that is capable of winning every game. With some very good hitters and guys that can shut opposition down on the hill, I think they will be dangerous this season. GMBC are also a very dangerous proposition and if the rumour about pitchers I heard is correct, then they will have a BIG say in the finals....again.
Heathmont vs Ringwood - Both these teams will be tough opposition this year. A big day for the 'Penguins' with the opening of their new club and Kitto's 60th game
will see them probably run out winners here. With some very good hitters, my question is about how many arms they will have that can hold their opposition down when they are not at their best, which can happen from time to time. Ringwood won this game last season and then struggled for a while. I don't think we will see them lose that many this season. Look for a big push here.
Knox vs Croydon - Well they dropped themselves a few years ago, recruited well for last year and just made it back into the big league. Another quality outfit led by some very capable senior players. If they have recruited a few more for this season, they will go close to finals. I think they will have too much depth for Croydon this week, although with they way Croydon swing the bats, there may be upwards of 5 HR's between the two teams.
Research vs North Balwyn - MATCH OF THE ROUND - I think Research will make an early statement this season. A good pick up with Bedford coming across and a very potent hitting lineup, especially at their park. Look for them to stay around the top of the ladder all season. NB have also picked up a few guys and one of the better coaches going around which has obviously had its flow on effect for both seniors and juniors. Against just about any other team I would have picked them this week.
Watsonia vs
Melbourne University - Watsonia look like they are lacking a little depth this season, I believe that a few of them have left to Essendon (?) this season. After just holding on to their place in A Grade, the last thing they need was this. Melb Uni can cause upsets, although I think this will happen a little less this season.
B Grade
How the fixture has changed, Mitchell out, DC out, Essendon in, St Kilda in and the return of Forest Hill. Looking at this fixture, Rebels have picked up a couple, Bundoora were working hard towards the end of last year, Monash Uni will improve form last year, Essendon will be tough and the list goes on.
Bundoora vs
Rebels - Bundoora are still probably missing a player or two to really challenge for finals this year, although expect the upsets again. Rebel with a couple of handy pick ups from MM may have the extra players they need to push for a top 4 stop although they will be a tougher year to make the finals IMO. They will be too strong tomorrow.
Monash Uni vs
Forest Hill - Monash will be better off for the run last season, but have not played FH who, at B Grade, are usually one of the top couple of teams. FH have got one of the best hitters in the league and will push most teams this year.
Ringwood vs Essendon - I pick Ringwood only because I don't know the full Essendon team yet, I looked but couldn't find it. I think that if they are doing this that they will have some guys who can flat out play (BT comes to mind), but they are still unknown. Ringwood have been close the last couple of years, not bad for a club with their main focus being A Grade.
St Kilda vs
Westgarth - Another relatively unknown for B Grade so go with what we do, although rumour has it that a few are not playing at the 'Garth' this year. Good move by St Kilda, especially if they have someone who throws a good change up looking into that sun at their park. If Garth has most of their players, they should be too strong.
Waverley vs La Trobe - MATCH OF THE ROUND - Waverley worked well last year and were unlucky. La trobe look to be missing some players at the moment. Waverley will go very close this year with the likely hood that they will make at least the Prelim very high. La Trobe may have to fight a little more to stay in the top four this season with pressure from Essendon, Ringwood, Monash and Rebels coming.
Well done on the league to recruit more umpires too, hopefully they are not noticed in any of the games and thanked at the end of the game. Good luck to all in the first week, looks like the weather gods are with us so far.
will see them probably run out winners here. With some very good hitters, my question is about how many arms they will have that can hold their opposition down when they are not at their best, which can happen from time to time. Ringwood won this game last season and then struggled for a while. I don't think we will see them lose that many this season. Look for a big push here.