BTC: Round 9 - Preview

Coach Yong takes a look at upcoming matches this week.

As we approach the half way point of the season, some matches are taking on higher and higher importance for coaches who have aspirations to play finals in season 2005. With nine of the ten teams having a mathematical chance of playing finals, and only 1 certain finalist, there is much to be gained, and much to be lost.

During the next month, we will see the introduction of new blood to all teams, and most coaches are hoping for a big lift from their existing stocks, and most importantly from their new recruits.

Hooders (6) Vs Alex (8)
Rookie coach Alex comes up against the struggling Hooders, premier of 2004. Coach Hooder has taken some chances with his team list this year, and he appears to be struggling to motivate his troops to repeat the heroics of their Grand Final win.
Tip: Unfortunately, another honourable loss coming up for Alex. Hooders by 15.

Farts (5) Vs Black and Blue (4)
Farts have struggled during the past season and a half to really move themselves up from lower and mid table. This week presents coach Hodder Sr a chance to end the speculation about his position and push him team into finals contention for season 2005. Black and Blue have taken the novel approach of appointing two coaches this season, in an effort to spread the load. Time will tell if this sharing of responsibilities will be a help or a hindrance as we move towards the finals.
Tip: Farts to shock Black and Blue, 3 points.

Ugly Ducklings (2) Vs Tendulkars (3)
Long time rivals Tan and Jhamvar clash in the match of the round. Much has been said regarding the trade period, with the BTC Comission even wading into the argument. Coach Euge is coming into this match in great form, winning his last 3 matches, with coach Jhamvar coming off a heart breaking 3 point loss. The winner will cement a spot in the top half of the table, the loser will leave themselves open to falling out the top 5. It doesn't get much more important than that.
Tip: Cant go past recent form, Ducklings comfortably.

Losers (10) Vs Curly (9)
Bottom of the table clash, with Larry hosting Curly's rag tag bunch of misfits. Although there is a gap of 2 games, Larry has just about sewn up the wooden spoon, which he will be forced to proudly display in his office throughout 2006. Coaches, please help me out here by bringing a wooden spoon to work, and we can make a perpetual trophy.
Tip: With Larry not taking responsibility for his teams performance, Curly by 35.

Keasters (1) Vs Crunchers (7)
This is a must win game for Crunchers coach Engel, and he will be hoping to inflict Keatsters only loss through half the season, with bragging rights over the rest of the competition up for grabs this is sure to be a tightly fought match. Keatsters coach Yong is going into this match confident of passing the halfway mark with an unbeaten record, and strengthening of defences arriving in the form of Glenn Archer, Andrew Siegert and Aaron Henneman.
Tip: Keatsters, by a mile