Well, there were some big upsets in the penultimate round of the competition that have really tightened up the race for the final eight.
Counties put 50 on Wellington to now sit in joint eighth place with North Harbour, who racked up 60 against Canterbury. This potentially means both Auckland and Canterbury could miss the eight.
As I predicted, Hawke’s Bay would find a way to beat the Jafas and they did, with a sideline conversion in the 82nd minute.
Otago beat Tasman B to stay in the race but too many things have to happen for them to have a realistic change.
Southland couldn’t score any meaningful points in the first spell against Waikato as they continue to tumble down the table. The top eight could be this: Tasman, Wellington, Taranaki, BOP, Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Counties and North Harbour.
The bottom six would then be Otago, Canterbury, Auckland, Northland, Southland and Manawatu.
It was a black weekend in the South for Jo from Deep South Glass who amassed only six points to leave perennial winner Shane from GWD seven points clear at the top — surely he doesn’t win it all again? Southland’s best grocer Richard was the top picker of the round, alongside Shane, to storm back into the top four. The bottom three — Sean, Grant and Simon — again had inauspicious rounds, but there is always next week!
So, who makes it this weekend and who doesn’t? Remember, I’m assuming Tasman have held on to the shield over the Jafas.
Otago (12-) should get it done over Northland, surely? Regardless, I don’t think it gets them into the eight.
Counties (13+) have to beat Manawatu to confirm a spot. On current form they will get there in a canter.
The mighty Stags host North Harbour (12-). The ‘‘bridge’’ boys have everything to play for and that will carry them through to the eight.
Wellington are at home to Hawke’s Bay and the Capital City lads are coming off a shocker.
I’ll stick with competition leaders Wellington (12-) though.
Canterbury have to beat Waikato (12-) to make it and gleefully I don’t see it happening.
Tasman (12-) will have the shield to defend and the top spot at stake when they take on co-leaders Taranaki. It’s nearly too close to call, but I’ll stick with the Mako.
Auckland host high flyers BOP (13+) and their season will totally derail as the Bay boys will crush them.
Good luck to the punt team — it promises to be a great last weekend of the round robin.
- By Paul Dwyer
