Men’s Saturday BCiB Pennants
Challenge Finals Wrap With the transition to a new structure in 2017-18 Challenge finals where necessary this season from Premier grade right through to sixth division seeing more than the normal number of bowlers playing off to see what grades they will be in next year.
Photo: Swan Bowling Club players celebrate a return to 1st Division, photo courtesy of Rob Glerum
1st White v Premier Challenge
Played at Yokine on Sunday alongside the Premier League and 1st Blue Pennant finals but equally as important two matches were played to see who would make-up the eight Premier League teams for 2017-18.
1st placed White team Morley who had secured the Pennant Flag finishing on top of the ladder capped off a great season as they defeated the 8th placed Premier League side Wanneroo 91-75. The size of the win indicates Morley will prove very competitive next year especially if they can add a couple of names to the stars already in the side headed by former State reps Anthony Provost and Rhett Butler, who skipped his rink to an important 27-13 win.
The 7th placed Premier League side South Perth had a mixed season and could have very nearly made the pennant finals if not for a couple of losses in the last few rounds of the home and away season. They were forced to defend their premier league spot against a strong Mosman Park team who had easily accounted for North Beach 87-55 the previous day to reach the challenge final. However in the end South Perth proved a bit too good and can look forward to another Premier League stint next year. The 82-65 win was set up through the good work of Nick Reagan and his rink who prevailed 23-13 over former 300 game state skipper Graeme Wishart.
1st White v Premier Challenge Results
2nd Division v 1st Blue Challenge
Four positions were up for grabs in the new 1st Division competition for 2017-18. With the top finishers in second division having gained automatic promotion the 2nd and 3rd placed finishers played each other first for the right to challenge the 7th or 8th placed teams in 1st Blue.
When the dust settled another two teams were promoted with Manning and Swan (pictured in main photo) earning first division status for next season whilst Quinns Rocks and Melville held onto their spots.
2nd Division v 1st Blue Challenge Results
3rd Division v 2nd Division Challenge
Eight finals were played to decide the make-up of second division for next season. This time the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams in 3rd division were battling it out against either the 7th or 8th sides in second division.
Only two 3rd division teams were able to come away with a promotion. North Beach and Wanneroo who both played at Doubleview came away with wins against their second division opponents. Whilst Valley, Mundaring, Safety Bay, Fremantle, Victoria Park Carlisle and Mt Pleasant where all winners to survive for at least another year in second division.
3rd Division v 2nd Division Challenge Results
4th Division v 3rd Division Challenge
Just the four spots available for the 1st and 2nd placed 4th Division teams who were challenging the 6th placed 3rd division sides for the right to play in 3rd division next year. A 4th division side albeit the top placed teams challenging a mid-table 3rd division side always looked to be a big challenge. That proved to be the case as all four 3rd division teams in Dalkeith-Nedlands, Gosnells, Stirling and Warwick held off their opponents in the finish.
4th v 3rd Division Challenge Results
5th Division v 4th Division Challenge
Another eight challenge finals were played with 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed 5th division teams getting the opportunity to play either the 7th or 8th placed 4th division teams. With these finals played as three rinks it did give the 4th division sides the opportunity to have a strengthened team selecting the best 12 of 16 players available for the finals.
Despite the perceived advantage to the 4th Division sides the didn’t get it there own way with several 5th division sides proving they have what it takes to compete in 4th division next year. Joondalup, Wanneroo Bassendean, Fremantle and Kwinana all winning to gain a promotion next season. Yanchep and South Perth the only teams to hold onto their 4th division status.
5th Division v 4th Division Challenge Results
6th Division v 5th Division Challenge
Another eight spots were up for grabs with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams in 6th division challenging the 7th and 8th placed 5th division sides. Again it looked like the 5th division teams held the whip hand with the finals being played as a two rink competition meaning the 5th division sides were able to select the best 8 of 12 available players for the match.
Again the advantage wasn’t evident as the 6th division sides rose to the occasion. Hollywood Subaico, Warnbro, Wanneroo, Forrestfield and Willetton who received a forfeit all gaining a promotion. Just Valley, Morley and Kardinya were able to defend their 5th division status.
6th Division v 5th Division Challenge Results
