TPL – Valuable Points on Offer

All three games of Round 11 of the TPL will be contested on the parched swards of Nelson on Saturday.  The high-flying Dolphins are at Victory Square, the Falcons at the Botanics and the potential match of the round has Stoke/Nayland hosting WTTU at Marsden Rec.

While the Dolphins can not yet put their cue in the rack, they are certainly on the black ball as top qualifiers.  There are three rounds to go after this week and they have cleared out from the pack.  Wakatu though are on a roll and posted a formidable total last Saturday on the back of a Daniel Hooper ton.  They will be looking to continue their resurgence and are looming as authentic semi-final contenders.

At the other end of the spectrum, ACOB is battling.  Their depth has been seriously questioned of late as they have had a large contingent in the triumphant Nelson Pine Griffins team and also defections to university.  The Falcons will be a real challenge for them and if they want to be involved when the trophies are being handed out, they need to get their game in order.  ACOB were particularly disappointing last week and they will need to display the resilience to bounce back.

Stoke/Nayland had the bye last weekend while WTTU had a tough road trip to Blenheim.  Both will be hoping to return to something near full strength as points are becoming vital for these two.  They are both in the Top Four but with Wakatu nipping at their heels, it is better to secure the treats now rather than leaving it until the last weeks of the competition.  This should be a very good match up.

Nelson College has the bye and an opportunity to lick their wounds after a bit of a mauling in Blenheim last week.  All matches begin at 11:30 am.

Competition Points after 10 Rounds: Dolphins 32, Stoke/Nayland 18, Falcons 18, WTTU 17, Wakatu 17, ACOB 16, Nelson College12

NELSON, NEW ZEALAND – Wakatu v ACOB at Victory Square, Nelson, New Zealand. Saturday 16 February 2019. (Photo by Chris Symes/Shuttersport Limited)