Premier League Preview
Men: Manning and Doubleview With the Bowls Season just a little over four weeks from getting under way it’s time to look at what teams shape as contenders for the 2015-16 flag in both the Men’s and Women’s Competitions.. As is usually the case there has been a fair bit of club swapping with some big moves having taking place already and perhaps a few more to come.
Regular articles will be posted right up until the competition starts looking at all clubs. In this article we will look at last year’s Men’s finalist in Manning and Doubleview.
Manning
The Eagles took everyone by surprise when they tore home through the last two weekends of the season to take the Premier League title. Needing results to go their way on the final day to make the four they powered to a strong away win over Osborne Park to get to make the four. From there the rest is history as they had one of the best finals weekends in bowls history to take the title. This year they’ll be looking to make the finals a little more safely instead of just scraping in. Winning the close games was something Manning struggled with last season going 0-6 in games decided by less than ten shots. If they can find a way to win the close ones Manning are a genuine chance to take the minor premiership with the talent at their disposal. Manning have improved their depth throughout the side, particularly through the backend. Two time Rosenthal medallist Tom Mitchell is a huge acquisition who adds another genuine star to the stable.
Pass mark: Coming off a premiership Manning have arguably gotten better through their recruiting whilst many have their competitors haven’t. Add to that the continued improvement of their younger stars and you have very potent mix. A top two ladder spot and another grand final are a must.
Ins: Tom Mitchell (Victoria Park/Carlisle), Shane Knott (Victoria Park/Carlisle)
Outs: Fred Holt (Middleton Beach)
Predicted finish: First
Doubleview
After a disappointing 2013/14 campaign a strong season saw Doubleview finish ten points clear on top of the table, courtesy of a blistering start to the season, and earned them hosting rights for the first day of the finals. After a hard fought win over second placed in the semi-final the View looked a big chance to take the premiership before losing to Manning in the final. Facing the now familiar situation of a strong home and away season for no premiership Doubleview will be out to show that they are still a daunting proposition for anyone. Usually stocked with tremendous depth across the team the View may now have to dig a little deeper to keep them selves in title contention. The losses of Kyle McIlroy, Scott Edmonds and James Webster weaken their backend depth and covering them shapes as Doubleview’s greatest challenge this season. Doubleview still ooze quality throughout their lineup and will remain more than competitive. Whether or not their mid tier players can step up and fill the breach will determine the View’s success this season.
Ins: Steve Diable (Yokine)
Outs: Kyle McIlroy (Stirling) Scott Edmonds (Yokine), James Webster (Mandurah), Jim Barry (Cambridge),
Pass Mark: The critics will never be truly silenced until the club can win another flag but that’s a lofty pass target. Preliminary final is a minimum but only another grand final would make the year truly worthwhile.
Prediction: Third
Note: Information is believed to be correct at time of being published.
