By Gary Stocks
A season defining round of fixtures awaits North Beach in all grades as the WA Amateur Football League swings into the run towards finals tomorrow.
With two exceptions, the O’Rourke Realty A-Grade and the Express Bins E2-Grade, the club will confront opponents it could meet in the finals. But even in those two grades the results will have the potential to affect top five standings.
The A-Grade requires a victory over Fremantle CBC to galvanise a top three finish, while the fifths play 10th placed Bassendean, but still must win to continue a push to play finals.
In a break from the traditional structure, the A-Grade will open hostilities against CBC at the usual 2.30pm starting time, followed by matches involving the Credent Financial Services A-Reserves (4.45pm) and the Nuchange Phil Scott Colts (6.35pm).
The fixture has been flipped because Fremantle acceded to a request to shift the early-season clash between the two clubs, agreeing to play at Charles Riley Reserve because of the disruption caused through the oval redevelopment.
They still have lower grades in action in the prelude, so it will be a heavy day of fixtures at Morris Buzzacott.
After a bye last week, the A-Grade team sees just one change with Steve Bandy unable to play because of work commitments, being replaced by experienced midfielder Micky Bryan.
There will be a strong emphasis on retaining structure and systems in this clash against to eighth placed CBC, who need to win as they are on the cusp of relegation. The Beach is expecting a bold challenge.
The A-Reserves confront CBC in a match that could well determine top place, and an all-important week off in the first round of finals. The Beach occupies top spot and victory would give them a two-game and healthy percentage cushion over their nearest rival.
Young utility player Gus Davis, ruckman Tom Bowering and midfielder Reece Burns have been included as replacements for Andrew Nunan, Ben DeRosa and Bryan.
The Phil Scott Colts (6.35pm) will also play a crucial match. Sitting sixth and making a rush towards the top five, the Beach would take a major step forward if they are able to conquer fourth-placed CBC.
The Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade, Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves and Tuck Plumbing Brett Jones Colts will challenge University at McGillivray Oval.
In both of the senior grades, that will see the fourth-placed Tigers challenging the Students, who currently hold third position. The results of these games will clearly be pivotal.
Fixtures
O’Rourke Realty A-Grade
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 2.30pm
Credent Financial Services A-Reserves
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 4.45pm
Nuchange Phil Scott Colts
Fremantle CBC v North Beach, Morris Buzzacott Reserve, 6.35pm
Cabling Network Solutions D1-Grade
University v North Beach, McGillivray Oval, 2.30pm
Hybrid Linings D1-Reserves
University v North Beach, McGillivray Oval, 12.35pm
Tuck Plumbing Brett Jones Colts
University v North Beach, McGillivray Oval, 10.45am
Express Bins E2-Grade
North Beach v Bassendean, Percy Doyle, 2.30pm
