It is set to be one of the tightest TFSA League Men’s seasons in many years with the top three sides all on equal points with three games remaining. The Eastern Stingrays, Northern Vipers and Central Scorpions have all defeated the other one time each, meaning the remaining three matches between the two sides will be intense struggles, the reward for success a prized direct route into the competition grand final. The Scorpions face the hardest course to avoiding a tough semi-final match. They meet the struggling South West Wolves tomorrow night, meaning they have to face their two strongest opponents twice within three hours apart of Sunday week’s double header round at Waite Oval. One of those opponents will be the Eastern Stingrays. The Stingrays have overcome a slow start to win three matches in a row culminating in a comprehensive 10-6 win on last Friday. The Scorpions manage to stay in touch early, trailing by just one at half time, but were blown away in the second half. The Scorpions conceded in the first minute of the second period and Tim Glazebrook set up another score to have the Stingrays ahead by three. After a Mitch O’Hara half run which led to a try that kept the match open, the Stingrays blew the game open with five minutes of brilliant touch. Glazebrook took control of the Stingrays line attack, moving the defence where he wanted, and assisted by some strong hole hitting the Stingrays scored three times in five minutes. With the result decided, the intensity went out of the game in the final minutes, the Stingrays cruising to a win that places them six try’s ahead on for and against and in a prime position to take out another minor premiership.
The South West Wolves showed fight in a hard-fought match against the Northern Vipers. In a tense contest, The Wolves managed to concede less than 10 tries in a game for the first time this season, but again lacked attacking potency, the Vipers holding out for an easy 9-2 victory.
The Eastern Stingrays remained undefeated, but were unable to confirm the minor premiership with a 4-4 draw against the Central Scorpions in the Mixed division. The Stingrays dominated the majority of the match, but their inability to capitalise on their opportunities was optimised in a frantic final minute. With the scores even and the Stingrays with one final set to break the deadlock, poor subbing rotation lead to both play makers Adam Bethall and Rick Wilkinson being on the sideline as the clock ran down. It was a nervy start with neither team able to make an impact on the opponents defensive line, the Stingrays taking first blood after five minutes. The Stingrays had the majority of the line attack, but it took until the 15th minute before another score, a Wilkinson half run creating a gap in the link position, a pass and return allowing him to score his second try. When the Scorpions made the most of consecutive sets only 10 meters out to score their first, the Stingrays dominance showed only a one try half time lead. The Scorpions started to have more of the play early in the second period, scoring first and starting to play the game more in their Stingrays defensive half. The Stingrays frustration showed when a Wilkinson score was disallowed at the 12-minute mark, but Bethell made an excellent half run, finding Emily Clark free on the wing to take the lead. The game opened up and with only a minute remaining the score was 4-4 and the Stingrays starting a new set 10 meters behind half way. However Bethell subbed off and Wilkinson could not get on the field as the Rays failed to find a way to make it six consecutive wins to start the season.
There was a minor upset in the Women’s draw, with the Eastern Stingrays overcoming the Central Scorpions 5-4. After being comprehensively beaten the first time the sides met, a tenacious Stingrays outfit held out for a victory that showed the Wolves and Scorpions that there is a third title contender this season. Meanwhile, a 9-2 loss did not justify the improved performance displayed by the Northern Vipers against the Wolves. The Vipers strong 40-minute performance was epitomised by strong line defence particularly in the second half, and displayed the potential to cause some upsets against the more fancied sides in the lead up to the finals.
Christmas for Cody round will take place on the 27th of November at Waite Oval for the final double header round, gold coin donation to play in Christmas attire (playing shirts must be worn) with lucky square, bake sale and BBQ.
