Obviously the Pope does have a landline to the heavenly father above as it rained in Sydney all week after World Youth Day. With the match at Wagener being switched to Mahoney, we saw three matches where the final-bound teams continued to shape their own destiny.
In game one, Balmain took on the ever-improving St George. The first half saw Balmain playing their attractive brand of football although it's kicking yips returned combined with St George defending meant that by end of the first quarter, it was Balmain 4.10.34 to St. George 0.0.0. In the second quarter, St George improved their form but Balmain's clearouts from the centre square was a highlight to lead half-time of 8.13.67 to St. George 0.0.0
In the third quarter with a new game plan fleshed out in the break - St George hit Balmain hard - literally and figuratively which seemed to put some Dockers players off mentally as they started to verbalise a lot. The umpires did their bit by sending off three Dockers players for not wearing their mouthguards in fully at all times. This is a new emphasis the SWAFL umpires will crack down on, for the rest of the season. St. George scored their only goal from 40m out to end the 3rd quarter. Balmain 11.17.83 to St. George 1.0.6. In the fourth quarter, both sides had their chances to score goals but failed to do so and the final score ended up Balmain 11.19.85 to St George 1.1.7. Balmain were solid but had a disappointing 2nd half according to their high standards whilst St. George need to take the 2nd half performance and momentum into next week's game against Sydney University.
In game two, Newtown played Easts. Newtown put on a solid three quarters but faded in the final quarter due to strong play by Easts to win Newtown 15.12.102 to Easts 0.0.0.
In game three, your faithful correspondant cunningly disguised as a water-bottle observed Sydney University take on Wests. The league leaders had to work very hard to score their goals led by their centres to guide it to the 2008 competition leading goal-kicker Marie Keating (Irish). A combination of Sydney University defence and inaccuracy led to Wests winning 11.23.89 to Sydney University 0.0.0. Sydney University tried hard but need to work on linking continuous play.
So in effect, no change to the league tables. Rd 13 sees another triple-header at Mahoney Park - game two (the middle game) sees Newtown and Balmain reclash again as the pick of the round. Potentially second-place and the double-chance could be up for grabs by these clubs. See you out there next Saturday!
Last Modified on 27/07/2008 18:31