By Ian Ferguson
THE WGCA fixtures’ coordinator has provided a gift match for local fans with the scheduling of a replay of last season’s grand final in the last match before the Christmas break.
The roundsix clash at Officer between the Bullants and Beaconsfield should be a cracker.
Each team is still reeling from unexpected roundfive defeats, but the grandfinal duo will both lift their performances for this vital game.
Officer has been more convincing this season and its overall record against the Tigers is good. The Bullants should narrowly prevail in what could be the preview of the 200607 grand final.
Pakenham has performed unexpectedly well so far this season, but the Lions will not be roaring after the Seagulls flock to the Toomuc Reserve.
Tooradin achieved the win of the season in round five when it soared to new heights against ladder leaders Officer and the encouraging form of Andrew Sparks, Sean Wilson, Sean Baker and James Haupt is now providing the depth for the Seagulls that all teams crave.
The match on the turf wicket at Cranbourne between Devon Meadows and Merinda Park is a 5050 encounter, but the Panthers are narrowly expected to prevail.
In Bgrade, Upper Beaconsfield should defeat its neighbours Beaconsfield, while Nar Nar GoonMaryknoll should win the battle against the Cranbourne Meadows Rebels.
Agrade tips, with likely winners in capitals are:
Pakenham v TOORADIN, CATANI v Clyde, Emerald v CARDINIA, DEVON MEADOWS v Merinda Park, KOOWEERUP v Pakenham UpperToomuc, OFFICER v Beaconsfield.