NSW firm as women’s favourites
New South Wales have firmed as the favourites for the coveted Marj Morris Trophy in the women’s Australian Sides Championships at Broadbeach.
The Blues were clinical in their 69-44 three-rink victory over host state Queensland in their second round of action this morning, and have now accounted for both of the other two powerhouse state teams in as many rounds.
As a result, NSW have slid into short-priced favouritism and are on track to record to another three-peat, despite it being early in formalities, having only played two of the seven rubbers.
The Blues have enjoyed considerable success in the event in recent years, having claimed the last two events contested in 2018 and 2019, and having won seven of the last eight, with the Maroons being the only team to have upstaged them since 2012.
Western Australia and Tasmania loom ominously in the field as challengers to the Blues‘ title defence, having both also enjoyed unblemished starts to the event.
The Sandgropers and Tigers have overcome the same challengers across the first two rounds, with Western Australia posting a comprehensive 67-shot victory over the Northern Territory, 100-33, this morning, while Tasmania also notched up a three-rink win over the ACT, 77-38.
While Westerns Australia sits on top of the leaderboard, followed by Tasmania, there will be clear air between the top hopefuls later today, with the two teams to meet in the third round this afternoon.
NSW, who is currently in third position but has already accounted for Victoria and Queensland in the event, will face the sixth-placed South Australia, who is looking for their maiden victory.
It’s a decidedly different set of circumstances for the Blues in the men’s Alley Shield contest.
Western Australia and Tasmania again head the leaderboard, with only one to remain undefeated after this afternoon’s third round, but the reigning titleholders, NSW, are yet to notch their first win.
The Maroons accounted for the Blues 64-37, with two-rink wins, giving them third spot on the ladder, with clear air between them and fourth-placed Victoria, after the Big V fell to South Australia 56-67.
The third round of action is underway at Broadbeach.
