Round 8 was full of unexpected results from unexpected places, and yet at the end of it, the ORFFL and its towering glory, the ORFFL ladder, remains much the same. What fine comedy! With just two rounds to go to the midseason break, we have teams jostling not only for ladder position, but also draft position.

Join us over the break as I tell you whats what.

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GLENROWAN GUNSLINGERS 1156 Def by TARWIN LOWER PIGS 1496

Bam! Not only did Pendles smash out a big score, Saucey Merrett went CrazyVossy as Tarwin Lower scored 1496 points on their way to a 340 point victory over Glenrowan. As mentioned above the bloodnut Merrett (177) was magnificent in kicking 7, Pendles (147) BOG or close to on Friday night, while NRoo (123), Hanley (122), and WheresWallis? (104) also revelled in a DOMINANT performance for the Pigs. The win moves Tarwin Lower into 10th spot, and with an average of 1225 ppg, will make those in the lower reaches of the 8 more than a little nervous about dropping games. Very pleased for them.

Meanwhile over at Glenrowan, the Gunslingers are once again licking their wounds. Rioli (109), Abrtel (107), Hurn (108), Hannebery (120), Ziebell (118), and Iles (104) all found their way to triple figures, which ordinarily you would think would be enough to get them over the line ( 6 tonups usually = winning).  However a green vested effort from Savage (22), and Morton (19) and Lester (40) playing OOP really cost them. And the fact that the TLP scored the 2nd highest score in ORFFL history.

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MOUNT BUGGERY DISAPPOINTMENTS 1449 Def POOWONG POTOROOS 1278

The king is dead, boys and its so lonely on a limb (I promise, thats the one and only time Ill paraphrase Morrissey in an ORFFL review). I write this because over the weekend Mount Buggery knocked Poowong off top spot to the tune of 171 points in a display of scoring prowess that theyve been threatening to implement all season. Pearce (158), Watts (150), PermaCaptain (142) and Rocky (146) were sublime, while Sidebum (111) and Ward (103) tagged along for the ride. Moving up into 11th spot with the victory with an average just shy of 1200 will have their future opposition trembling with fear at the prospect of climbing up the mountain.

Poowong drop to 2nd spot with the loss, although I doubt that theyll be too upset with the loss, perhaps considering themselves simply unlucky. Gary (150), Thompson (139), Garland (110) and Mattner (103) notched up tons, while only really Bob (53) and TheSherminator (52) put in performances well below their average. Sure to bounce back next week, its not every round that you come up against a team that goes 1300+, let alone 1400+.

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BONNIE DOON BANDITS 1223 Def by HUMPTY DOO HAMMERHEADS 1269

Humpty Doo travelled to Bonnie Doon in round 8 and came away with their first win of the season, getting up by 46 points despite playing a man down. Celebrations ensued! Wells (143) led from the front, and Judd (113), Sauce (104), Sniffer (106), Goo (104) and McKay (100) followed in lock-step. McKays score particularly impressive considering he was given the red vest (the game was well and truly over though). The Hammerheads joy will be tempered by the fact that this victory may put them in danger of losing their No. 1 pick in the midseason draft. With COPPERHEAD ready to strike at the faintest hint of tanks on the horizon, Humpty do will no doubt be bunkering down and trying to hatch a strategy to keep what they already consider to theirs. One Clancee Pearce.

Over at Bonnie Doon they played with a full line-up for the second week in a row, yet were unable to come away with the chocolates this time. Big Cox (139) stood up, as did Mitchell (114) and Tippett (107), the lack of reinforcements though meant that it was always going to be tough for the Bandits to come away with the loot. The loss sees sees them slip to 16th, the silver lining being a quality pick in the midseason draft, in what is not a big pool of talent.

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PURNULULU BUNGLE RANGERS 1111 Def by TORRUMBARRY THUNDA 1134

The result from this match saw the PBR defeated by Torrumbarry by just 23 points. The Thundas coach was bemoaning his teams potential score on a Sunday morning (not unusual for him), but he forgot to factor in one man: PaddyD (174). He was simply Gary-like. Waters (132) and Greg (109) also made their way to triple figures over the weekend, while Buddy (99), Bernie (99) and Steven (93) went pretty close. The in keeps them in 9th spot and in touch with those in the Top8 at 4-4.

For the PBR, the roller coaster ride continues. Up last week, down this week. Selwood (140), Heater (133) and Libba (112) showed great courage (pumps fist) in defeat, yet with only 3 players reaching triple digits it was never going to be enough to beat their opposition. On a side note, I found LRTs (95) score somewhat out of character for him. Well done, son. But I wouldnt be expecting a repeat next week. They sit in 17th spot on the ladder, no doubt looking forward to the break in play in two weeks time.




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QUEENSTOWN QUOLLS 1134 Def JIMCUMBILLY JACKRABBITS 1079

A bit of a low scoring affair this one, with Queenstown defeating Jimcumbilly by 55 points. Only two players for the Quolls achieved scoring centuries; Brown (154) and Watson (111). Which ordinarily would be disappointing, but you know what, a wins a win. Doesnt matter how you do it. That win keeps Queenstown in 7th spot, and their ORFFL flag aspiration alive. Go my Tasmanian brothers!

At Jimcumbilly their season has honestly gone from bad to worse to even worse than that. Amazingly they had more players than Queenstown hit the hundred mark; NDS (107), Droopy (122) and Van Berlo (120), yet ultimately it wasnt enough. Moloney (58) and Grundy (30) will continue to worry their coach, BGT, as will their lack of a ruck option at the present. Sure Howe can jump high, but does he have the length in his arms to match it with the 200cm+ boys? Probably not. They slip to 13th this week, sitting at 3-5 and their premiership dreams in tatters.

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MILIKAPATI SNAKES 1412 Def POPANYINNING PYRITE 1229

In yet another DOMINANT display from the men from the top end, Milikapati ran all over the travelling Popanyinning, getting up by 183 points. The Snakes are going from strength to strength at present (1315, 1342, 1412) and firming as flag favourites at this middle stage of the season. Howd they do it this time? Lids (157) proving to be one of the picks of draft, Jack (152) had a field day against Melbourne, Breust (129) likewise down in Tassie, and DuffMan (105) and GaffMan (103) continuing to keep the scoreboard ticking over. They not only move into 3rd spot, their average of 1293 ppg will no doubt be putting fear into the minds of opposition coaches who are yet to face them. If it wasnt there already.

The Pyrite on the other hand slip to 12th, despite scoring a respectable 1229 - 46 points above their average. Swallow (155) went large at last, as did Boyd (137), while OnYourBoot (112) and PygmyArms (104) also chipped in with fine hungies. Its an all too familiar tale sadly, with their midfield DOMINANT, yet the skinny parts of the ground lacking in scoring power. Sylvia (51) was dreadful, but at least he can laugh about it. Their coach, P_L, probably finding it less amusing.

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SARAH ISLAND SAVAGES 1276 Def MALLACOOTA MAGICIANS 1074

The king is back! Sarah Island defeating Mallacoota by 202 points, despite playing a man short. BJ (115), NicNat (108), JPK (132), Jori (112) and Prestia (107) earned themselves nice scores, while Mitch (47) languished in a forward pocket, a place where the ball was not. I wouldnt go as far to say the Jar is back, but its nice to have my crown returned to me. Thanks, JDog.

At Mallacoota, fair to say its crisis time. Slipping outside the Top4 for the first time this season, only Crameri (102) and the MagicMan (115) managing triple figures this round. They desperately need Wood to return to the Pies side while BigBoy is out injured, and Hill (45) and SonOfIbbot (46) to return to his early season form. And while theyre at it, Risky (42) to return to last seasons form.

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COULTA COULDABEENS 1289 Def WOY WOY WIZARDS 1189

Coulta made their way to their 5th win of the season this weekend, downing Woy Woy by an even 100 points. Scotland (120), Zaha (115), McCarthy (115) and Schulz (110) put in fine performances with 4 others scoring over 90. The Couldabeens appear to be tracking along nicely at this roughly halfway point of the season, although perhaps both rue and lamenting their earlier forfeit which will leave them at risk of dropping out of the Top8 if level on wins with any other team. Perhaps this threat will lead them to keep up their winning form though.

Woy Woy is something of an anomaly in the ORFFL. 5th on total points, yet sitting 15th on the ladder having only won 2 games. Sandi (100), Chappy (104), Cross (123), Brian (112), Black (109) all played well, yet the vested scores of Dids (38) and Bird (16) really hurt their chances this round. If they can get it together and produce some wins, I still see them as a chance to play finals this year. That chance is getting slimmer with each loss though.

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WARBURTON WANDERERS 1077 Def by MERTON MEERKATS 1297

Theyre the Meerkats, and theyre flying high! Merton getting up by 220 points over a disappointing Warburton this weekend, despite Richmond losing on Saturday night. Cotchin (130), Mullet (137), Foley (104), Scooter (106), Grigg (109), Zorko (100) and Horsely (104) all playing wonderful games. The victory keeps them in 6th spot, and with Richmonds draw opening up in the back half of the season, eyeing off the Top4 and a flag. You have been warned ORFFL.

Warburton crashed back to earth after slaying the king last week, justice proving swift in the ORFFL. Not only did only one player in Griffen (124) score a hungy, prize recruit Murphy (38) looks to set for an extended period on the sideline with a nasty shoulder injury. This could cruel their flag aspirations, fortunately the midfield is an area that the Wanderers have a sufficient depth in talent. Hill (41) will need to step up in Murphys absence though. It is possible.

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<table width="424" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><col width="229" /> <col span="3" width="65" />
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<td width="229" height="18">SARAH ISLAND SAVAGES
<td width="65">7/1
<td width="65">11178
<td align="right" width="65">1397



<td height="18">POOWONG POTOROOS
7/1
10123
<td align="right">1265



<td height="18">MILIKAPATI SNAKES
6/2
10341
<td align="right">1293



<td height="18">WARBURTON WANDERERS
6/2
9899
<td align="right">1237



<td height="18">MALLACOOTA MAGICIANS
5/3
9955
<td align="right">1244



<td height="18">MERTON MEERKATS
5/3
9767
<td align="right">1221



<td height="18">QUEENSTOWN QUOLLS
5/3
9440
<td align="right">1180



<td height="18">COULTA COULDABEENS
5/3
8528
<td align="right">1218



<td height="18">TORRUMBARRY THUNDA
4/4
9613
<td align="right">1202



<td height="18">TARWIN LOWER PIGS
3/5
9800
<td align="right">1225



<td height="18">MOUNT BUGGERY DISAPPOINTMENTS
3/5
9591
<td align="right">1199



<td height="18">POPANYINNING PYRITE
3/5
9467
<td align="right">1183



<td height="18">JIMCUMBILLY JACKRABBITS
3/5
9332
<td align="right">1167



<td height="18">BONNIE DOON BANDITS
3/5
9162
<td align="right">1145



<td height="18">WOY WOY WIZARDS
2/6
9828
<td align="right">1229



<td height="18">GLENROWAN GUNSLINGERS
2/6
9147
<td align="right">1143



<td height="18">PURNULULU BUNGLE RANGERS
2/6
9104
<td align="right">1138



<td height="18">HUMPTY DOO HAMMERHEADS
1/7
9102
<td align="right">1138




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