The time has come, WWC Legends….. The last round of the Home & Away season is upon us. Time to stand up and be counted, else your team may suffer the ignominity of tumbling down before the Playoffs, heading for the Wooden Spoon. Nervous yet? Well, hitch up your Big Boy (or Girl) Pants and strap yourself in, ‘cause here we go…….
Pool A
Round 5 action kicks off with The Mighty Drawshanks, restored to their rightful position, tackling the Agitated Aardvarkians. Let’s face it, both Captains in this tussle are less than useless, so it will fall to the rank and file to carry the day and lead into the Playoffs. Hopster is back from injury, and Stef is due (maybe overdue 😉 ), so look for big things from these legends. George Huggard is yet to fire, and we need his best this week. New recruit, Twinkle Toes Beddoes, has been the shining light for the Anteaters this season. Will his candle be snuffed out, or will his teammates pick up the torch? (Apologies for the mixed metaphors – it has been a long season) 🙂. Redman & Rusty have to fire, and the Major must try and find something to contribute. A close and important match, this one.
The reigning premiers, Cockatoos, have had the mid-season wobbles and will square off against the under-rated Grip n Sip. Sid Plunkett, Pete Willcox, and Dave McLeish need to step to the plate and support Smokin’ Joe, who has been a pillar of strength. The middle order for the Grippers have to find something if they are to contend this week, and improve their standing. Robbo, Ben & Simon are have all been steady, but need something special now. Jimmy Owen has been quietly good, and will again do his part. With Jack back, an upset win for the Grippers is on the cards.
Chronic Fatigue have lived up to their name, and been very sluggish off the line this year. They face the fast improving Back 9 Bandits in a must-win tussle. Fatigued Captain Tom needs a lift from his teammates. Walsham, Courtney and Newton have all under-achieved thus far, and will not want to go down without a fight. But Stu Ridleys boys are up for it, and I expect they will take home the chocolates. Andrew Williams went from the ER to the leaderboard last week, such is the commitment of the Bandits to WWC glory. Look for Stu, Truman and Craig Coulston to hit the scoreboard and put the sword to the languishing lads from Chronic Fatigue.
Pool B
B-Grade 😉 action gets underway with the battle of the Jugs (the PG version – I promise). In a battle to stay clear of the bottom, Jug A Nauts will start favourites against Jugheads. I think the likes of Wow-man, Chilly, Ferg & Haydos will have too much firepower for Dave Ley and his disciples of the Jug. Tom Boyle must stand up, along with Woody and Michael Wilson, if they are to be any chance to climb up from position #6.
40-Over remain the only undefeated team across the competition this year. That is unlikely to change this week, as the 3 Non Johns have been flat this year. Bicko has led valiantly, but Trethewie has gone missing (calling in for a celebrity sub each week) 😉. Dipper has to fire, and will need support from Duffy and Woo, too. Shep & Shep have been great for 40 over. Tom McGrath is rounding into form and Macca is due for a big one. This one could be a blow-out for the 40-over crew.
Newcomers Par Tee Time tackle the crew from Par Then Bar. After a strong start, the Barflies have wilted in recent weeks. Scam & Emmo must lead from the front this week, and Dan Edwards needs to get an oar in the water, too. Roebuck, et al, have been super solid, and with Tassell & Cleary firing as the season gets going, I expect they will post a 4-pointer here this week.
Pool C
All eyes will be on the Why Knots? Vs Who’s ya Caddy? Match in Pool C this week. Coming off the back of consecutive tied matches, the ladies of Why knots? are ready to post their first W of the season. They will face formidable opposition, with Boof and Daniel Lee in form, and Brendan Schneider due to post a big number. Can Jenny, Jennie, Ruth, Vicki & Denise carry the day? Will Julie make a return appearance? Will Damien Shanahan get dressed in the dark again? Will Dave Purtill make a sneaky Sunday run? Will I ever run out of questions? Who knows? 🙂 This is a match to watch closely.
In the heavyweight bout of the week, ladder leaders Hosel Rockets will enter the ring against the super consistent Lynch Mob. Swinging out of the blue corner for the Hosels, our sponsor Mark Tomich won’t throw in the towel. He punches above his weight and with support from Semm, Huggy and Deano, I expect they will go the distance. The crew from Lynch Mob don’t have glass jaws, though, and I don’t think they’ll hit the canvas this week, either. Scotty Lynch has been Rocky-like in his gritty performances, and despite giving away reach, both Nugget & Steady can hold their own in the red corner. I reckon this bout will be decided on points, not a knockout. An enthralling pugilistic performance is about to unfold…. Watch this one closely.
Last, and let’s be honest, least…. 😉 is the matchup between the Wuhan Warriors and Squirrel Nation. This match could be worth keeping an eye on…. It’s a chance it could be our first ever nil-all draw…. 😉 Come on fellas – it’s the Wardrobe World Cup, not the Soccer World Cup! In all seriousness, these teams have both failed to fire so far in 2023. There is still so much to play for, though, as the Playoffs series provides a chance to leapfrog all the way to the Grand Final, even from last place. Rowdy Mannall has been his usual metronomic self, pounding away week after week with mid 30’s, carrying his team. He needs a lft from the Squirrel lads, though and will hope for Nige Brennan, Cirra & Harves to really step up. If Killa is back this week, he will be a big inclusion. Jay Oates has led a rabble this year, it must be said. 🙂 Time for the Wuhan crew to develop some herd immunity (and some golf swings) and make an impact. Kane & Boz need to be counted this week of the GI Germs are going to be seriously considered in the playoffs.
It is a huge week for WWC, teams. Bring your best and brightest, and leave no stone unturned. This week’s results will have a huge impact on the Playoffs and Finals. Good luck to all.
Cheers
Laney