By Gary Stocks
While the A-Grade teams have a bye this weekend, to accommodate the State match against Tasmania, the lower grades will continue as usual on Saturday.

Unfortunately, for the Beach, tough on-baller Sam Lamont, who was in the West Coast Eagles State Under-23 squad, was ruled out early this week because of ankle injury – leaving ruckman Kieren Yakas and forward Christian Bottechia to represent the club.

The way the fixtures fall, that means it is an opportunity for the four lower grades to enjoy a place in the spotlight – and they deserve the attention.

They have been progressing strongly all season and have some intriguing matches on the schedule, which could go some way towards determining how they sit at the end of the qualifying rounds.

The Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade, have been in sparkling touch, backing up a grand final appearance last year by sitting neatly in second position on the ladder.

Veteran coach Bill Duckworth has brought together a team boasting some exciting young talent, meshed it with a dose of experience and has the team ticking along nicely. They will play Fremantle CBC at Morris Buzzacott Reserve and a clash which will second play fifth.

The Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves currently occupy third place on the table and for the most part have been extremely consistent. There has been just the odd form variation and Daniel Wheeler also has them placed nicely as things begin to ramp up for the run home.

The Red Hill Brett Jones Colts, after a slow start to the year, have produced some exciting form in recent weeks and are coming off a resounding victory against the previously undefeated University.

This match will see them pitted against fifth-placed Fremantle CBC and give them an opportunity to build a bridge between the top three and the chasing pack. The double chance, come finals time, is invaluable so this game could be pivotal in that plan.

The Express Bins E1-Grade, elevated a division after playing in last year’s grand final, have also set high standards this season and are sitting in fifth place. They will combat sixth-placed Coolbellup and get the chance to create a gap by winning this clash.

While none of the Beach teams are playing at home, which is a disappointment, they would appreciate the staunch club support which supports North Beach from the rest.

Fixtures:
Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 2.30pm
Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 12.35pm
Red Hill Brett Jones Colts
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 10.40am
Express Bins E1-Grade
Coolbellup v North Beach, Tempest Park, 2.30pm