Manning thumbs up for flag again
Women’s BCiB Premier League Preview We are the doorstep of another season, as is usually the case a lot less movement of players amongst clubs in the Women’s Premier Competition so a few moves can make a difference. Manning have been a dominant force in recent years and in this preview we will take a look at them and their challengers for the 2016/17 title.
This year we will also be introducing a Round in Review on the website every Wednesday for Women’s Tuesday Pennants looking at the happenings across all divisions. If you have anything interesting that may be worth sharing with our readers please send it in to enquiries@bowlswa.com.au so we can include it.
Manning
Once again the powerhouse of women’s bowls in Western Australia Manning will front two teams in this seasons premier league competition – it is an amazing show of strength to continue to win the flag and have a second team which is extremely competitive. Shenayde Heldt will play pending work commitments and Sally Wilke is a developing player who is being given an opportunity in the Manning 2 side. With no players leaving it once again bodes well for Manning. The emergence of Mt Lawley Consistency Singles winner Shaan Saunders is also worth noting and she should help them avoid the relegation zone.
Ins: Shenayde Heldt (returned player), Sally Wilke (Osborne Park)
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: Given the talent a flag is what the top team will want whilst the second side will be pushing for a top six finish.
Prediction: First and eighth
Mosman Park
Mosman Park are perennial title contenders and it looks like this season will be no different. They go into the season with literally the same side (every player in the same rink and position) as the team which lost the grand final by four shots. Some depth has been added to the second team which plays in 1st White which will be needed especially when skip Lisa Featherby plays in the Scottish International Singles in November. Monica Huynh is a 33yo from Victoria with plenty of promise who could make a name for herself in WA sooner rather than later.
Ins: Monica Huynh (Victoria)
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: Finals is the bare minimum for this side and they should really be looking to be in the big dance once again.
Prediction: Second
North Beach
After finishing eighth in 2014/15 North Beach bounced back well last year winning their semi-final before losing to Mosman Park. They have recruited very well with Janet Cox a past state player from South Australia to skip a rink and Lily Rughoobur and Ruth Toletti although not guaranteed premier league players will be pushing for spots and add some depth to the club. Hard to see them not fighting it out again this year and the big addition of Cocks could see them in the grand final.
Ins: Janet Cox (South Australia), Lilly Rughoobur (Osborne Park), Ruth Toletti (Osborne Park)
Outs: Barbara McNeill (not playing)
Pass Mark: Too much talent to repeat last year’s disaster. Have to play finals.
Prediction: Third.
Sorrento
The acquisition last year of playing coach Kathy Gobbart provided Sorrento with their first taste of finals and the team will be keen to continue on that good work into 2016/17 season. State Pairs runner-up Angela Gunson will be a good acquisition to the team along with Isobelle Davies from Osborne Park. It is always a tough ask playing through the extreme wind that often prevails at Sorrento and there is no reason why the team won’t be strong contenders.
Ins: Angela Gunson (Morley), Isobelle Davies (Osborne Park)
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: After a great season the chance to improve even further looks likely. Finals contention is a must.
Prediction: Fourth
Leeming
Leeming have been around for a while now without really challenging for the title – they surprised the competition last year with some good wins early along with a draw against Manning 1 in the first round of competition and were inside the four at the half way mark before missing the finals by only one point. This improvement was apparently bought about by a new coaching and training regime and with no changes to speak of in terms of personell any further improvement should have them challenging once again.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: Will want to make finals after coming so close last year.
Prediction: Sixth
Gosnells
After making the grand final a few years ago Gosnells have stalled somewhat in recent years. The team goes in very little changes so any improvement will have to come from already established players which is often hard to muster. Players like Margaret Anderson, Angela Sharp and Anne Crabb will be the ones needed to perform at their best to give them any chance.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: Any better than 6th will be an improvement on previous years.
Prediction: 7th
Osborne Park
A near disaster last year finishing a surprising eighth and no doubt the team will be keen to bounce back this year. The backend players of Adams, Stevens, Chalmers and Norton will need good support from those in front if they want to win more games. Osborne Park have significant changes for this season but on balance are no weaker with three recruits replacing three departing players however it will be a question of how well the side can gell, support and compliment each other on the green..
Ins: Brooke Newstead (Manning), Jenny Alexander (Warwick), Jan Power (Innaloo)
Outs: Isobelle Davies (Sorrento), Lilly Rughoobur (North Beach), Ruth Toletti (North Beach)
Pass Mark: A returned to finals would be what the club will want.
Prediction: Fifth
Thornlie
A return to Premier League for the club who will be looking for some consistent performances to keep them up there. Bowls WA State Coach Tony Hockey was recruited to the club and the side has been practicing hard under his tutelage for many weeks. If he can find an ounce of improvement the side have the talent to win a few more games.
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Pass Mark: There is no doubt they would be happy to avoid relegation this year.
Prediction: Ninth
Mundaring
The other side promoted from 1st White but a team which has yo-yo’d in and out of Premier League over recent seasons Mundaring will be looking to put an end to that trend. A good recruit is Lesley Morrell from Morley who is named to play as third. Winning games at home up on the hill will be the best chance for Mundaring to keep in the top grade.
Ins: Lesley Morrell (Morley)
Outs:
Pass Mark: Will want to avoid relegation or at worse keep the rest of the competition honest.
Prediction: Tenth
Summary: Not expecting a lot of change in the competition however with the unpredictability of sport anything could happen and it would be exciting if a different club could come out of the pack ala Western Bulldogs style to claim the flag. Whatever the case it promises to be another exciting season and we look forward to seeing the outcome of finals in March next year.
Predicted finish
Manning 1
Mosman Park
North Beach
Sorrento
—————–
Osborne Park
Leeming
Gosnells
Manning 2
—————–
Thornlie
Mundaring
Information believed to be correct at time of publication.
