Seeing Mr Chandler is too busy throwing daggers at everyone, I thought I might put up some odds on the forthcoming Emerson Shield weekend. And guys don't be offended if I have not put you in the top 3 placings. 10 into 3 does not go.
Well Werribee would have to be the hottest favourites in the History of Emerson Shield, but like all certainties,there can always be a hic up. Althou I can not see that this year. Home ground advantage, some of the best bowlers in Victoria......I should say Australia in the team and the other teams just dont have the line or strength to trip Werribee up. Still going by Chandler last year they were over the line and stumbled so it will be interesting to see the final results. Shepparton and Melton will give a good account of themselves and several of the country teams will make life hard during the weekend. Hopefully a lot of the results will be close and make for great viewing Sunday afternoon when it comes down to the last 3 games. If Werribee is in front with 3 games to go can not see them being hauled in, their draw is quite good and could only see 1 upset in the last 3 games, which will not be enough to stop them from collecting their first ever shield.
Males:
[
U]1. Werribee - Odds 1/4 [/U]these guys would win Rachuig most years. Have a combination of youth and experience which some of the other teams lack.Will be in front for most of the weekend and have a dream run home.With 3 games to go can not see anyone overtaking them. However like most favourites they can be beat. I just can not see too many teams ganging up on these Young Guns from Werribee. With Glen and Porto leading the way Craig ready to pounce and knock these 2 off the top of the all stars Tree will be almost impossible to beat. Big statement but I honestly can not see any other team tripping them up on their to collect the shield for the first time.Still can not believe that they lost last year.Porto's family will provide the team with plenty of George's pasta to make sure no one lacks strength at the end of the day.
2.Shepparton - Odds 2/1 These guys know how to win and party at the same time, have a great team and bond well.A bit concerned with the Sat night sessions and could be a MAJOR HURDLE & cost them late Sunday.Still could do a diva and win back to back Titles.
3. Melton - Odds 4/1 With Adam fired up and Ray Training them to peak at the right time will be the quite achievers. Another team who Bond well and just go out there and Bowl. Adam loves bowling in these team events and would be one of the favourites to make the All Stars. With a couple of new faces will be close to a top 3 finish.
4. Narre Warren Odds 6/1 These guys make Mundine sound great. Talk about getting it up, yes they have a couple good bowlers, but the rest I am not too sure about. Rumours about Lance carrying an injury will not help this team. Hopefully they are only rumours. Can not see making top 3 but other teams will need to be wary of them. If Tothy gets on a roll both with his bowling and his Mouth will cause a few upsets. Always good fun watching Tothy on a roll.
5. Bendigo Odds 8/1 These guys surprised a few last year and will give a good sight again, however I am concerned at the age group and over the long weekend will see some tire badly in the last few games. Hoever having said that they will cause some upsets when least expected.Game 7 against Werribee could be one of the biggest upset on Saturday.
6. Mildura Odds 10/1 Rob G and his bowlers will cause some concern and will be interesting to see where they finish. Have the ability to finish in the top 3.
Althou they have a tough run home. Could be one of the teams trying to secure 3rd place.
7. Colac Odds 10/1 Another team of old timers who will struggle to be there at the end of game 18 on Sunday. These guys do perform well in team events and could be the outsiders knocking off the favourites. Althou my money wont be on them. Just seem to lack some depth in their line up.
8. Morwell Odds 20/1 Couple of oldies and the rest young with very little experience. Will throw some great games and maybe even take out some high games, but as a team will find it hard to win the major points. Sale suited the Bosma's and Both Stan and Theo will enjoy the weekend to the fullest. Hopefully the young guys will relax and enjoy the event to post some good scores.
9. Wodonga Odds 25/1 Do not know much about this team, but believe that they will struggle with the conditions at Werribee. It is always great to see new teams in the Goldpin State Final and I am sure that they will do their best all weekend. However the best will not nearly be good enough against the might of Werribee & Shepparton. Can only learn from the xperience and try to make again next year.
10. Sale Odds 100/1 this team came thru in the last game against EFL and did enough to make the state final. Fantastic but the dream has stopped. Reallity check and I can not see them finish higher then last. Good bunch of guys and will enjoy the weekend but seriously lack some top end bowlers. Still they are in the finals and EFL is sitting at home watching.....I know where I rather be
Ladies:
The Ladiesz this year is very open and a winner from the top 6 would not surprise. It is great to see some young bowlers coming into these teams and this will only increase the competition amongst all the centre's. The teams overall look very even this year and should make for some great matches on both days. Good Bowling and scoring to all.
1.Werribee Odds Even Money.....This years field could have any one of the top 6 winning without raising an eyebrow. Several of the ladies bowled in the winning Keon Park dunn shield teams that form should carry these ladies over the line. Can not get complacent and I am told the Manager this year will keep his voice down to an acceptable level.Will be very hard to beat.
2. Shepparton Odds 2/1 Always hard to beat and these ladies know how to bowl and party,just like the guys could be the telling point late Sunday arvo.I am always impressed how they bond togther as a team, this could be the team to knock the favourites off their perch. Game 3 on Saturday and Game 2 on Sunday will be worth watching bewteen them and Werribee.
3. Geelong Odds 2/1 another who will be hard to hold out, have a mixture of youth and experience to go all the way again and back to back would not surprise. Rumours that all is not well within the team, but knowing Geelong they will be right on for the weekend. If either Werribee or Shep falter these gals will zoom past and wave the rest goodbye.
4. Ed Fleming Lanes Odds 3/1 Very impressive at Sale and considering our guys did not handle the conditions our Gals got better the more games they bowled. Combination of several experience ladies with some youth bowlers will make this team hard to beat.Draw is in their favour and will be knocking on the door if the top 3 favourites start to get the wobbles. Good each bet for top 3 places.
5.Mildura Odds 6/1 have a couple of very good performers in Lisa and Alicia, however they lack depth, which could go against them late Sunday afternoon.
Lisa will be one of the Favs to make the All Stars and teams will need to be careful that they dont get tripped up by them.
6.Bendigo Odds 8/1 These gals go about their job quietly and also enjoy themselves all weekend. Seriously lack some top ave bowlers but make up for it with consistant spare shooting, which usually gets them up for a win. Would not surprise to see them in the top 3.
7. Colac Odds 9/1 Another country team that could upset a few. Like several other teams have 2 or 3 good bowlers and just lack the strength to seriously challenge the top 3 fav's. And like Bendigo would not surprise to see them in top 4.
8. Ballarat Odds 12/1 One of six country teams to make the Goldpin State Final. Dont know half the field and I am sure will enjoy the weekend more then some of the fancied teams. Will win a few games but not enough to be a serious challenger for the shield.
9. Narre Warren Odds 15/1 this team always has problems with injuries and it effects them badly. Hopefully they wont have any this year. Another team who enjoy themselves but lack the strike power to be considered for the top spot.Will make it hard for some teams along the way.
10. Mentone Odds 15/1 Good to see them in the State Final, conditions at Sale suited them and led the field for awhile but could not sustain earlier form.They will enjoy themselves and have a great weekend but not a serious threat this year.
We look forward to seeing you all at Werribee at the end of the month and remember this type of events are to have FUN, Fun and more Fun.
