Helensvale’s 5 a Side is gearing up
The 2013 edition of Club Helensvale’s $50,000 National Club 5 A Side commenced in dazzling style yesterday. Despite the drizzling rain, which may have dampened the green but not the spirits of the competing teams, play was fierce for the first day of competition in the prestigious tournament. In a fantastic opening day campaign, Victorian State Pennant champions Ocean Grove lead the competition after storming through the first four rounds in style claiming all but one of their first 8 matches. Australian representative, Matt Flapper, is spearheading the attack for the southern club, who boast the likes of experienced state representative Ken Thomas and state champion bowler Craig Hodges. Early favourites Club Helensvale, Warilla and Mount Lewis all had solid opening performances with each club dropping just two matches to sit in 2nd, 3rd and 4th spot respectively. A disappointing start was had for last year’s finalists, South Tweed, and NSW powerhouse St Johns Park who sit in 19th and 20th place respectively. Two more days of qualifying will be staged today and Wednesday, with the top four teams advancing to Thursday’s semi-final and grand finals. With 16 qualifying games still to be played, there’s opportunity for dramatic changes to the leader-board over the next couple of days.
