Island Park v St Clair Saints
This is an interesting battle. The competition-leading Saints travel down the coast to Waldronville, where they’ve had plenty of success against a side who will enjoy the comfort of home after a tense loss at Balmacewen last week.
Park captain Brent Butler is stepping aside to allow the return of Jarden Hammond, while the rest of the side is uniquely stacked with former St Clair members, while Connor Howes returns for the Saints.
Despite history, Saints may see this as their toughest test to date, with local knowledge a key factor, especially on the driveable par 4s and 5s. Don’t be surprised if one team comes out on top via a play-off.
Otago Bombers v Taieri Lakes
At Balmacewen, the Bombers will be getting ready to pack their bag and hit the road as they chalk up another home game and look for a win against Taieri Lakes.
The Bombers are missing Ben Patston and Brandon Hodgson, who are on holiday, and welcome back Tony Brown and Ryan Rosevear, while Taieri strengthen up with Blair Bennett and Ken Shaw, but there’s no sign of former Balmacewen member Mark Andrews, which hurts the visitors.
Had this game been at Taieri you’d give the Lakes a good look here and while many of the team know Balmacewen well enough you have to think the Bombers will have enough to record their second win here.
Otago B52s v Chisholm Links
These two teams complete the Balmacewen double header, with the B52s looking to keep in touch with St Clair, while the Links will need a win as wheels begin to wobble.
Non-playing B52s captain Harrison Maaka features this week, as does Paul Hubbard, who faces ex Balmacewen player John McIntee for the Links.
For the Links to win, they will need wins from Mike Weastell and McIntee, with the B52s looking stronger in the matchups — they should win by two or three games.
