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Two rounds to go, and the final four positions are almost set in stone, if not the order of finishing.
Kalamunda have to play Nedlands next week, and that game will finally kill any forlorn lingering hope the pundits may still harbour of them making the finals.
As keen as Kala may be, Nedlands also have a very good reason for turning it on next Saturday. A win will guarantee them first or second spot on the ladder, and a loss can conceivably see them in third spot after the qualifying rounds.
Cottesloe are in the same position, they need at least one more win to secure a spot in the top two and have to see off Wests and then Palmyra, possibly a harder road than Nedlands.
Soaks will be hot on their tail for second position should either Neddies or Cott falter, and they take the scenic route home, taking on a sad, dispirited and vaguely pathetic Perth.
Really, can anyone remember the last time a club went through an entire season in local rugby with only one win under their belt? It may well be, if as has been mooted, the club premier structure is to be reduced to eight teams, or Joondalup is to be included at the expense of an existing team, they will be the first to go. But that's a discussion for another day.
Palmyra have to wait until next weekend to set their plan for the finals. If as is anticipated , Kala are eliminated from having any chance, the situation will probably be that Paly will be cemented in fourth spot, with no prospect of moving higher, with the teams above them all vying for first and second spot.
Paly then have the luxury of resting key players in preparation for the finals, and not having to rush back players from injury. For the last four rounds Paly have been without four, and even six, first pick starters, and this has shown in the results.
The final game against Cottesloe will be academic for Paly, but not for Cott, and it will allow Paly to assess where they are for the next encounter without giving too much away themselves. By the finals they will be at full strength again. Against Uni yesterday they fielded five colts, three in the starting line up, yet still touched Uni up.
On the other hand if, (highly unlikely), Neddies, Cott and Soaks all stuff it up next Saturday, then Paly will have to play at full strength against Cott for the chance of finishing second. But that won't happen.
Just a final note, RugbyWA had better ensure it sticks to the letter of the competition rules this year when it comes to player eligibility for the finals. The Legal action which was prepared and not proceeded with after last year's debacle won't be held back this time.
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Originally Posted by fulvio sammut
