The penultimate round of the NTL-SA is poised to shape the fortunes of most teams this Thursday night at Memorial Drive. With the top two teams going head-to-head in the NTL-SA final next Thursday and a berth in the National Playoff at the Australian Open in January, so much is at stake for the teams, most of whom still have a chance.
Men’s
Somerton Park Sharks v Broadview Tigers
Despite a close loss to the Raiders last round, the Sharks kept a slender hold of second place and would expect to be ruthless in their approach to this fixture against the bottom-placed Tigers in a bid to try and lock in a top two finish with a round to spare.
Broadview Tigers were gallant in their narrow loss to the Titans last round with four rubbers going to tie breaks. Sean Page and Martin Richards continue to bravely fly the flag for the Tigers, but the return of Luke Saville to an already formidable Shark’s line-up suggests the shortest of odds for a Somerton Park victory.
Woodville-Glengarry Wanderers v Trinity Titans
This battle of third versus fourth will determine whether the Raiders and Sharks have any real competition leading into the final round of the NTL.
After a bright start, The Wanderers copped consecutive defeats and only a comprehensive result will be enough to keep their hopes alive.
Whilst the Titans have not been as dominant as they were expected to be, a win over the Wanderers potentially sets up a ‘winner takes all’ final round fixture against the Sharks.
Goodwood Saints v Rostrevor Raiders
To date, the Raiders have been the dominant men’s team and they will be looking to officially seal a top two berth with a win over the Saints. The possible inclusion of Jordan Kerr and the return of Colin Ebelthite would mean Todd Perry has assembled one of the strongest teams ever seen locally.
Goodwood Saints, lead by Scott Robertson and Darren Polkinghorne, are a competitive outfit who have just quite not been able to get some close rubbers go their way but will be sure to try and shake things up in the final rounds.
Women’s
Flagstaff Freighters v The Drive
One of the more interesting fixtures this week with the undefeated Freighters looking to secure their passage to the local final and national playoff. They are however up against The Drive, who by their own admission, would not be content with their current fourth place standing and only one win to their name.
Golden Grove Lions v Goodwood Saints
The Saints have been the surprise packet of the NTL, sitting in second place after a feisty win against The Drive in Round 3. On paper, another win looks within their grasp, however they are up against the young Lions who will be full of confidence after their demolition of local rival, the Gully Servers, last round. The inclusion of highly ranked Stefani Stojic to the Saints squad could prove pivotal to staying in the top two.
Gully Servers v Trinity Titans
Despite the undeniable talent of this young Gully Servers team, this year’s NTL has proven somewhat overwhelming for them against their more experienced opposition. As is the nature of prodigious young talent, a surprise result is not out of the question. They do however find themselves pitted against the third placed Titans who will have viewed this fixture as an opportunity to bank maximum points leading into the final round.
All matches run concurrently at Memorial Drive from 6.15pm Thursday 15/12.
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