Jack Toft
Years ago
ABA Prelim Finals
Women:
Eagles - Sturt @ Wayville Waterworld
Every team needs a shocker game in a season and last week the Eagles threw bricks at a ring covered with clingwrap. Sturt on the other hand were on the back foot at the start, yet showed true spirit in coming from behind to snatch victory from the Tigeresses, who have been valiant all season.
Wayville has been a house of pain all year, but the torturer became the tortured last week. Sturt were the only team who beat Eagles at Wayville during the minor round and would be bouyed by this fact going into this game. Sturt are a talented side and I don't think they have really played to their full potential all season. The Eagles need to dig deep and have practiced their shooting this week, or else face the humiliation of being a Minor Premier not playing in a grand final.
On the assumption last week was an abhoration, Eagles to win this one and go through in possibly unconvincing style. However, if Sturt girls play like they did, anything is possible. They would be wanting to make it a double header.
Whoever wins, please give the Westie girls in the stands a wave.
Men:
West – Norwood @ Port Misery
At the bruisefest last week, the highlight for everyone, except West, was the way Jacob Holmes exploded like a zit on a teenager's back in the fourth quarter. His last shot on goal was a pearler and we'll see a lot of juniors trying that this week. West have done well this season and like the Eaglettes face the horror of two strikes and you’re out.
Norwood played a ripper last week to keep their fairytale alive. Coops with 4 blocks was just like a flyswatter - how handy would he be at BBQs?
West’s story this season has been dominated by the "Adventures of Bradley the Big Bad Bearcat", and on Saturday night, master cartoonist Rupert Sapwell strolls into the Port to draw possibly the final cartoon of this children’s adventure book.
It should be a great game with some crusty old demons against some young cubs, but I think the crucial matchup is on the bench. Paul Bell has done well this season and taken his team to a minor premiership, but like I said last week, Sapwell is pretty cunning and knows a trick or two. This game will be won not on skill on court, but the cunning plays each coach uses. The big Roo should end up being the smiling assassin.
I think momentum is with Norwood at the moment and they book the second spot in the GF to setup the fairytale ending. We all know who to call if there are any frisbees in trees, or rafters.
