Round three of the NTL-SA may well prove the defining round with several enthralling fixtures, including 1st v 2nd in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.
Men’s
Rostrevor Raiders v Somerton Park Sharks
The Sharks are currently displaying a combination of talent and camaraderie that will serve them well in this team’s competition and no one can deny them their current standing at the top of the ladder after two rounds.
Whilst Luke Saville was the headline act for the Sharks in round two, Todd Ley can lay claim to being an early NTL standout and a dominant display as he steps into the number one spot this week can only enhance that reputation.
The inclusion of Lachlan Ferguson again as a guest player for the Sharks could prove significant in counteracting the Raiders strength in the doubles.
Rostrevor Raiders boast arguably the most evenly balanced squad and under the captaincy of Todd Perry will most certainly look to take it up to the Sharks. A win for either team puts them within arm’s reach of a finals berth, whilst the loser will be destined to a challenging last two rounds – An engrossing set of rubbers await.
Woodville-Glengarry Wanderers v Goodwood Saints
The Wanderers were bought back to earth with a thud last round after their barnstorming start in the first week, unable to take a rubber off the Sharks (despite four of the rubbers going to tie-breakers). They must consider themselves still well in contention and a win against the Saints could propel them back into the top two.
Goodwood Saints were hampered in round two’s loss to the Titans by the arm injury carried by Scott Robinson, but they will have to re-group this week to give the Wanderers a shake with young gun Darren Polkinghorne shaping up as the key to their hopes.
Trinity Titans v Broadview Tigers
After narrowly losing to the Raiders in round one, the Titans remain in the mix with a hard fought win over the Saints last round. The Titans lurk as the team most likely to challenge the Raiders and Sharks and this week’s fixture against Broadview presents the Titans with the opportunity to really shake things up and end the round in the top two.
The Broadview Tigers copped the massive loss of Ryan Agar before the NTL commenced, and have found life in the NTL tough to date. The evergreen Martin Richards has been gallant in his efforts, and if he can muster his troops to step up this week then a win against the odds is not out of the question.
Women’s
Trinity Titans v Flagstaff Freighters
For the second round in a row, the Titans find themselves in a clash of the top two teams and face their sternest test yet against a Freighters outfit that ‘flagged’ their intentions from the outset that they had their sights set on claiming the inaugural title.
The Titans young brigade headed by number one Leah Daw are being complemented well by the experience of Melanie Clayton and Michelle Leydon and could well be poised to end the round on top of the ladder.
Golden Grove Lions v Gully Severs
In the battle of North-East Adelaide, both the Lions and Servers will be desperate to avoid being consigned to the foot of the table after round three.
The Gully girls boast a very youthful team and could rally for the win, however the Lion’s own young gun, Brooke Rischbieth, could be the difference.
Goodwood Saints v The Drive
With the Titans and Freighters up against each other, The Drive are presented with the opportunity to potentially return to the top two but face a stern test against the Saints who were ruthless in dispatching the Servers in round two.
Nada Vujic’s impressive performance after stepping up to the number one spot for Goodwood, coupled with the consistently notable form of Nicki Barnet will ensure The Drive will need to bring their ‘A game’ to take the points.
Play commences at 6.00pm at Memorial Drive. Entry free.
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