Jeff the Ref
Years ago
Funny Subway Junior Grand Final Preview
U12 Boys 1 GF 18:15 DH Dome 3 Sturt V South Adelaide
Rd 8 Sturt 54 d South 17
This grade has been closely fought and exciting all season. Unfortunately that closely fought competition happened without Sturt's involvement. Apart from a 6 point win v West (who finished 5th on point difference) Sturt have comfortably beat off all opposition. South on the other hand run, run and run. They have the speed and talent but Sturt's overall game and size should prove too much.
U12 Girls 1 GF 18:15 DH Dome 2 Forestville V Sturt
Rd 2 Sturt 32 d Forestville 24
Rd 11 Forestville 32 d Sturt 24
Two clubs and coaches who have built a strong healthy rivalry over the past 18 months. The Winter GF between these two clubs was awesome and hopefully this one can be just as close and exciting. I'm tipping another competitive battle but on current form I think Forestville have the edge.
U14 Boys 1 GF 19:15 DH Dome 2 West Adelaide V Sturt
Rd 5 West Adelaide 58 d Sturt 43
Again two clubs who have built a healthy rivalry in an age group. In 2005 it is West that has the depth and size that Sturt have always boasted. While Sturt have an exciting one-two punch I just don't think they have the depth to stay with the Bearcats. I'm tipping West by 10-15.
U14 Girls 1 GF 18:15 Wayville 1 North Adelaide V Sturt
Rd 3 North Adelaide 49 d Sturt 45
Personally I haven't been as impressed with Sturt as I thought I would be. I like North and they have a real talent in their mix who could very well prove the difference as she did two years ago. Both teams have depth and talent but I think North overall are slightly ahead of Sturt and therefore will come out with the win.
U16 Boys 1 GF 19:30 Wayville 1 Sturt V West Adelaide
Rd 5 Sturt 48 d West Adelaide 36
Sturt would go into this as favourites and on current form deservedly so. West's win in their Semi v North was equally impressive and this should be a hotly contested battle. How well West handle Sturt's guns in my opinion will decide this and I'm going to tip the Sabres pulling a win out here, in a closer battle then most may be expecting.
U16 Girls 1 GF 19:15 DH Dome 3 North Adelaide V Norwood
Rd 5 North Adelaide 48 d Norwood 47
Clearly the best two teams in this grade and this could be another classic GF. North probably go into the game as favourites but if Norwood's guards can have the impact they did in the semi and get the same support from their bigs as they did last week then the Flames could in fact take this one. I like North's all round game and range but am going to tip Norwood in a bit of an upset.
U18 Boys 1 GF 20:30 DH Dome 2 Forestville V Norwood
Rd 4 Norwood 55 def Forestville 54
While Norwood have clearly been the surprise packet (everyone myself included was ready to write them off pre-season) I still can't see the Flames winning this one. Forestville will be deeper then they were in the first meeting and that extra talent should be enough to see the Eagles win comfortably. Lots of talent will be on display and with the U/20's postponed this is the boys game of the night.
U18 Girls 1 GF 20:45 Wayville 1 Sturt V Forestville
Rd 2 Sturt 51 d Forestville 50
Rd 11 Forestville 63 d Sturt 33
This game will showcase some of S.A.'s brightest young female basketballers. With Sturt knocking off the Leah Mencel led West last week they've set up another battle with their City South partners. Obviously on current form the Eagles would be going into the game favourites and while Sturt do have the talent I still think they won't have enough to match the Eagles, especially with Abby Bishop in the middle. Again this game will feature at least 3 future names in SA women's basketball and should be a good game to watch no matter the outcome.
Other games of note:
U16 Boys 2 GF 18:15 Wayville 2 Sturt 1 V West Adelaide 1 Two groups with plenty of history. Sturt should prove too big and talented again but either way plenty of talent will be on display.
U18 Boys 2 GF 19:15 Wayville 2 Sturt V Forestville 1 A good competitive season climaxes with the two most talented teams on paper meeting in the final. While Sturt stole a win first time round and have improved their line-up since, so to have the Eagles and I just can't see Sturt recapturing the efforts of first time round. Both teams will showcase State, SASI and fringe State players and should put on a great display of basketball.
U20 Men 2 GF 21:30 DH Dome 3 North Adelaide 1 V Norwood North go into the game undefeated but Norwood coming off a win at Eltham have the talent to beat them. Should be a good tough contest.
U16 Girls 2 GF 18:15 Wayville 3 North Adelaide 1 V Sturt These two teams have led the way and both play a good style of basketball. Sturt won their first battle by one but I'm tipping North to win in a close battle in this one.
U18 Girls 2 GF 19:15 Wayville 3 North Adelaide V Forestville Most are probably surprised to see these two teams come from 3rd and 4th to make the final. Forestville have the guns to win this one but I'm tipping North's better composure to take them to a win.
Anyway just my opinion and I'm sure everyone will have their own arguments too. Should be a very interesting night with plenty of talent on display. Good luck to everyone.
