OK, WWC legends, it is go-time again. Round 3 is upon us this weekend, as we tip past the halfway mark of the Home & Away season.
As a reminder for all participants, I have attached a summary of the Playoffs and Finals Series that will follow the Home & Away matches. It is a different format this year, with 3-sided competitions to support the extra teams involved. It should be fun.
Round 3 Preview – Pool A
The Grip n Sip lads take on the Back 9 Bandits this week, in an important battle as both teams sit in the bottom half of the ladder. Will Nichols has been showing some form, along with Robbo, and the Grippers will start as favourites. Stu Ridley will need his team to lift if the Back 9 Bandits want a solid ladder position heading into the Playoffs in a few weeks.
The Angry Aardvarks are coming off a win and will fancy their chances against the winless Chronic Fatigue. Red & Rusty are both in good nick, which will make it hard on Tom Webb and his team. Arm Candy & the Mayor are due to post some numbers on the board, so I expect something special from them. Congrats to Big Daddy Walsham on the announcement of baby #2 – maybe now he will have more energy for golf, instead of extra-curricular activities. 🙂
The final match for Pool A sees the reigning Premiers, Cockatoos, take on the ladder leaders, Drawshank Redemptions. This is an early clash of the titans for Pool A, and could be a good indicator for an early premiership favourite. Big Dog Stef, and George Huggard are the heavy hitters for Drawshank this week, while Sid Plunkett will need a big lift from Ernie, Pete, and Dave if they are to compete on this stage.
Round 3 Preview – Pool B
The team from Par Tee Time look to be in early season form, with a team win last week in the Greenkeepers Revenge event. They square off against the Jug A Nauts this week, and the Jugs are warming to the task nicely this year, without any scoreboard luck. Wow-Man Beesley is up and about and will lead his charges into battle against the tall timber. Is this a David & Goliath story in the making? The Jug A Nauts really need to post a W to stay in touch with the leaders.
Next up, the ladder leaders Par Then Bar take on the 3 Non Johns. Despite a few celebrity appearances in the lineup, the Non-Johns are yet to fire up. They will have their work cut out for them, with the Franzeses in good form with support from Scam, Dan, and Emmo. Big things are needed of Biffo this week if they are to hit the scoreboard for 2023. Addo has taken his name literally, barely needing to take his shoes off to to Add up his points each week, and needs to post a counting score this week to help his team along. I reckon he is due, so stay tuned. Also, watch out for Silver as he is in good touch. My money is on the Bar Flies this week, though.
It doesn’t look like any mid-life-crises’ are hindering the 40-Over crew, so far this year. They have been a model of consistency and will be a tough beat for the Jugheads. Steady performances from Messrs Dulhunty, McFarlane and Shepherd(s) have led to some early wins. Steve Wood has been the shining light for the Jugheads thus far, but he needs a bit of a chop out to keep them in the hunt. This is a pivotal game in Pool B, and could shape the standings leading into the Playoffs.
Round 3 Preview – Pool C
The Wuhan Warriors may need another booster as they are ready to do BAT-tle with the experienced Hosel Rockets crew. Both teams have tasted some success so far this year, but the Hosels appear to be travelling better to date. Oatesy needs a lift from the likes of Creeky, Baz, and Boz if they are to post a 4-pointer this week. Hosels may be without the Presidential Performer, Huggy, but debutant Neale Wigney may help their cause. Close match this one, I reckon.
A pivotal match in Pool C sees ladder leaders, Lynch Mob, take on the lineup from Who’s ya caddy?. Lynchie has led a steady team so far this year, but this one is a solid challenge, with the Caddy Lads rounding into form. Nugget is due for a big one, as is Scotty Heath, both looking to make a contribution to the cause. Damo Shanahan is the Smokey for the Caddy crew, and I expect a counting score from him this week. One Bernard Kelly has been solid as a rock for his team this season – will he continue to be their boulder, or become a stone around their neck now that the whips are getting cracking? This match could shape the playoffs for Pool C – I will be keenly watching the outcome.
Last match of the round offers Why knots untangled?, up against the shambolic Squirrel Nation. Rowdy Mannall has been tearing his hair out (it seems) to find a winning combination on the paddock. Big lifts are required from Keys, Cirra and Harves if they are to be any chance in 2023. The lovely ladies of Why knots have been without luck so far this year. I expect they will show some form this week and record a spirit-crushing win against the nut gatherers. Colman & Sellwood are primed and ready to fire. It could be the start of a banner year for the Untangled crew.
The weather is going to test us this week, folks. Rug up and face the challenge head-on. Golf is an outdoor sport, and we’re not made of suede. Let’s see who can tough it out and come out on top for Round 3. Enjoy!!
Cheers
Laney
