Top 5 Locked In For Finals | Platinum Wrap
The dust has settled on the Platinum Pennant regular season with the Top 5 sides confirmed for the Finals Series. With all the discussion heading into the final weekend about the possibilities of who could overtake who into the Top 5, it came as a surprise to this Platinum Pennant fan (but possibly no one else) that each team from first to fifth won their Round 10 matches, all but securing the Top 5 with one round to spare.
The final standings in the Platinum Pennant
Heavy hitters Raymond Terrace recorded a monster 41-shot win over Belrose 79 – 38 (10pts – 0pts), as did Mt Lewis defeating Wenty Leagues 66 – 37 (9.5pts – 0.5pts). Cabramatta also secured a maximum 10 points from their clash with Engadine, although with a far tighter scoreline of 56 – 46. The 56 shots secured by the Bullants was the equal-second lowest winning score this Platinum Pennant, just above the 55 shots Raymond Terrace accrued in their Round 4 win over Carlingford.
Joining these teams in the winner’s circle were St Johns Park, Taren Point and Warilla, who scraped past Merrylands 60 – 59 (9pts – 1pt), putting an end to the Magic’s push for the finals in the process.
While the Top 5 was confirmed at the start of Round 11, the all-important final placings were still up for grabs. Cabramatta needed a win to ensure top spot and the Platinum Pennant minor premiership, and that’s exactly what they did beating the Merrylands Magic 64 – 44 (9pts – 1pt). Hot on their heels were Raymond Terrace who defeated Mt Lewis 67 – 52 (9pts – 1pt), and despite not claiming top spot managed to finish the regular season in second place with an impressive nine wins from eleven rounds.
Warilla secured third place and a crucial second chance at winning the Platinum Pennant with their win over Taren Point, denying St Johns Park the opportunity to jump them into the Top 3 despite their 69 – 45 (9pts – 1pt) victory over East Maitland.
On the other side of the ladder Carlingford snapped their 10-match losing streak by the narrowest of margins, getting the better of the Belrose Bulls 56 – 55 (8pts – 2pts). A 20 – 12 rink win for Darren Burnett enough to hold the masterboard for the Koalas and lift them off the bottom of the ladder, overtaking Belrose by a single point.
The inaugural Platinum Pennant Finals Series structure
Players will now enjoy a well-earned weekend off before preparing for the inaugural Finals Series at Warilla Bowling & Recreation Club from 17 – 19 May. Minor Premiers Cabramatta will enjoy a direct route to the Major-Semi Final where they await the winner of Raymond Terrace and Warilla in the Qualifying Final. The loser of that match will play the winner of the Elimination Final between St Johns Park and Mt Lewis, with this match live streamed on Friday 17th May from 6pm.
With five teams left, it’s anyone’s guess as to who takes out the Platinum Pennant. What can be guaranteed is six world class matches taking place at Warilla for the Finals Series – see you there!
