Compression Garment

Just 2 weeks ago there was a massive 20 points between first and last. The 8 was looking easy to pick as the Premiership Table was stretched like a giraffes neck under a very high nut tree during dinner time at the zoo. However just when you think that you are pulling away the pressure of Premiership Golf can wrap around that long gullet and squeeze hard. Suddenly, only 3 games separate the 16 teams as winter approaches; and with it, the looming finals series.

Triple WWW were riding the high life after disposing of F Troop comfortably in a top of the table clash that failed to boil as predicted. They stood on top of the mountain, a far cry from their low positions in the first 3 seasons. Something had clicked for this team and the enthusiasm was washing over each team member like a warm shower after a cold day. However losses to the always dangerous Gummers side and the 2 time Premiers the Buglers have suddenly put them back in the pack. One more loss this week to a surging Brothers In Arms side will have serious ramifications to their position on the ladder and more importantly, their enthusiasm on those now coldish mornings. They need to find that spark again quickly or those mornings will get even colder and the stress of missing their chance will settle like a thick frost on their self esteem and could lead to disaster.

The Buglers have bounced. 2 wins in a row have lifted them from the bottom of the table, a place that seemed impossible for them to occupy after they dominated the competition in the first 2 years. But the worrying signs of last year have continued and the battle against the new handicapping seems too wide a river to cross. The 176 posted in the past 2 weeks have accounted for their opposition but will hardly strike fear into the hearts of the free swinging Top 4. Indeed, the pulverizing form of the Vultures who continue to punch out scores in excess of 180 must seem a world away to the ex-premiership super power and suddenly they are feeling vulnerable. They need to find a way to step up to higher scoring, 180 is the new ‘black’ and they are yet to conquer this number once in 2011. There are signs of life but with so much still to do. The low markers need to ‘go low’ and they need to do it regularly.

Their famous rivals of those first 2 years the Ferrets, are soaring again. Equal top on the ladder they have the experience required to go deep into winter. They have handed the finals pressure well albeit, still without a premiership to show for this but have silverware in the cupboard. However if you keep knocking they say the door will finally open and once again they are within arms’ reach to rap their knuckles loudly. They are boosted by some simply awful summer golf from some that has created the handicap boost to place them in good shape as the days start to shorten. They still have some tough games to go starting this weekend against an F Troop team that have faltered in recent weeks. They are hungry and are looking forward to the deep of winter.

In Time Dynasty and the Brothers in Arms are very softly starting to make some noise. In Time have shown glimpses of greatness with the odd disappointing day however they are as keen as ever and are warming to the task at hand. Tactics are discussed regularly at a venue resembling a hungry whippet and the energy of the next day is occasionally sapped as these meetings sometimes go on longer than usual. However, they sit just outside the Top 4 and really haven’t played to their potential. It is a good position to be in as they are a very balanced team that believes that no other side can match them on their day. They will continue to push towards another finals series motivated by previous years’ near misses but energized with the belief that winning the premiership is not beyond them.

The Brothers (and sister) in Arms are going along beautifully. After a slow start they have put together a solid month and there is no reason to think it will not continue. They do face a tough 3 games with ladder leaders Triple WWW their immediate opponent before it will get easier. If they can squeeze out 2 wins in the month of May, they should be heading to July with momentum and a team of solid all round players that can go deep into finals action.

Finally it is hard not to mention the present defending Premiers the Corruptibles. The build up to the blockbuster match against historic rivals the Ferrets 3 weeks ago had cyberspace bulging with emails and social media streams becoming very unsocial. The high of anticipation can yield to the corresponding lows of devastation if in fact the match turns ugly….and it did. Sadly for our premiers, that day did not go well and the ongoing effects of this shattering day are there for all to see. They escaped with a draw the next week against a Cup Hunters side that are starting to emerge as contenders and then plummeted to an In Time Dynasty side last week that were far from their best. They have dropped 10 places on the premiership table to 14th and this has led to rallying emails from their spiritual leader and early nights from their Captain. They must find their bond again and quickly. They are precariously positioned in that one more loss this weekend, will create doubts that they will even make the finals in 2011. It is an unthinkable suggestion, even the Professional jumped on their bandwagon early this year in search of a high ride to success again. They face this week the Wood Ducks, it is a watershed moment for their 2011 defense. Victory will breathe life back into the season and may provide the platform for them to launch to the heights all were expecting, a loss….. well the questions will grow louder and the pressure of being the Premiers and missing the finals, will wrap around them like the compression that helps tired old muscles work again. Maybe this compression; is exactly what they need…..