Round 18 Could Be Full Of Suprises

The so called final round is here. With some interesting fixtures being played this week. I have been informed that there will still be a finals series but now will only run for 2 weeks. I’m gathering semi finals on the 7^th of September and the final on the 14^th of September.

With there being no money for the finals series it will be all about pride and bragging rights, So there is still a lot to play for this week and the following weeks with catch up games.

Ulverstone V Riverside 2pm(fft) Ulverstone Show Grounds

Ulverstone will be looking to finish with a win to keep its every so slight chance of winning the title. At home the Reds will start out strong favorites and with Connor Meanie in damaging form scoring 9 goals in the last 2 games should keep their form rolling. The Reds have shown over this year they are one of the better teams in the  comp and no doubt will be looking to go one further next year and if they keep the same squad with juniors also coming through will be very competitive.

Riverside will be licking their lips knowing that even if it is raining they will have a game still to play because the Ulverstone Show Grounds drain really well. Wayne Penfold should have a very full squad that have been well rested and with no injures fired up to take on the Reds. Its fair to say that Olympic have not had the season they would have liked and will be looking to finish of the final  round with a win. If they do or even produce a draw this will give Somerset the title with out even playing.

Launceston United V Devonport 2:30 pm Birch Ave

With Birch Ave deemed under water Tuesday night it will be interesting to see if the game goes ahead and then another week of catch ups. Launceston will be doing every thing in their will to try and get a win at home as they sit at the bottom of the ladder with out a win. Launceston were looking good at the start of the year in the Hudson cup then lost a lot of their senior players to Launceston City V League, Since then have struggled to get a win.

Devonport will be convinced they can rebound from last weeks loss against the Sharks and will try and cement 3^rd spot. Pete Gilham comes back into the NPL squad and will no doubt try and finish off with the golden boot award, He only leads Kyrone Johnson by 2 and the Sharks have 2 more games to play after this. Gilham has also been included into the NPL squad due to not being available for the next 3 weeks.

Rod Andrews said this”

 Another week, another unplayable ground. Hopefully Birch Avenue isn't underwater and we get to play, although based on last weeks precedent it wont matter if the ground is underwater we will still play , which is all good until someone breaks their leg in half. 

Our young team has performed admirably in recent weeks, and looks a lot stronger on paper. It been a long year for some our underage players and this week we will take the opportunity to give some them a spell before the finals”.

Burnie United v Launceston City Montello 2:30pm

Burnie can make its self a clear spot for 6^th position with a win against City at home. Burnie will still be with out veteran Pete Vanek but will looking to make it 2 wins from 2 games. This is something Burnie haven’t been able to do this year but will be full of confidence going into tomorrows game. Aiden Smith has been outstanding for United after his inclusion to the senior side and is a regular avenue to goals. Along with Trent Potts running the middle of the ground the 3 points should stay at Montello.

City have had an up and down season so far and would be disappointed with their year right across the board. With the club entering the V League this year would be the main source of the problems. Coach Lino Sculli would be asking his troops to finish on a high and scalping the points off United.

If this game is going to be like the last time these clubs met expect a high scoring physical game.

Rangers v Somerset Sharks 3pm NTCA

In another game with a question mark over its head, This should be a cracker if it goes ahead. Rangers will be looking to cement 3^rd spot with a win and Prospect having the bye. Rangers should have a strong NPL side as their V League teams plays strait after. I’m sure the Rangers will be also looking at stopping the Sharks from winning on their home ground as there is pay back on the cards due to Rangers winning both of their recent titles against the Sharks one at Somerset and one at the NTCA. With all due respect that is too….. Brendan Lichtendonk said this”

Going to be touch and go this weekend with the weather,  The grounds wont be closed, thought the Referee's may decide to make a decision during the course of the day, and we can not do anything about this.  There are 6 games to be played across to grounds on Saturday, so fingers crossed.

From a squad point of view, we will need to pull Stefan Hamilton up to the Victory League bench for cover for a few players carrying niggles, and have lost Josh Burk from the squads as well.

We are always confident, though its been a disrupted couple of weeks, coming off the bye and having the game against Prospect canned after 55 minutes, none of which are helpful.

Somerset have a fully fit squad available for this game with Astyn Johnson returning after having a few week off with work commitments. The Sharks are well aware with what’s at stake and will be pushing hard for the win or even a point. But will also be aware of what threats the Rangers can produce especially with the likes of Yitay Townes.

NPL LADDER

 

1	Somerset	13	12	0	1	62	11	51	36
2	Ulverstone	15	11	0	4	47	24	23	33
3	Devonport	14	9	1	4	43	33	10	28
4	Nth Rangers	14	8	1	5	30	26	4	25
5	Prospect	13	7	2	4	33	20	13	23
6	Burnie	14	4	1	9	20	39	-19	13
7	L'ton City	14	3	2	9	22	48	-26	11
8	Riverside	12	3	1	8	16	25	-9	10
9	L'ton United	13	0	0	13	5	52	-47	0