MEN’S MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP With 15 teams in the division we are led to believe that the GM thinks this is the most competitive division this year. Looking at the field maybe he’s right (but we hate saying that). Wests will deserve to be favourites, but we think there will be a host of teams breathing down their necks. Chooks, Sea Eagles, Sharks, Hills and Panthers all have quality teams and wouldn’t surprise any of us should they get the chocy’s. We are also hearing whispers out of the Shire that Joel Caine maybe making a comeback to the playing field with the Sharks, we wonder if he still has that turn of pace? Championship- Sharks WOMEN’S MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP Our lovely Senior ladies have a field of 11 and again the gals of the Northern Beaches are really embracing the division with 3 teams. Their number 1 team will rightfully start as favourites but, here’s the kicker- there are strong whispers that the Bondi girls might be getting the band back together. If so, tvhat will be interesting and hard to topple. There are a number of country teams all looking to take the title away from the city slickers. The Dolphins, Knights, Storm, Wolves and Neptune’s all lay claims to this year’s event. While we think Manly, and Easts will fight out the final, it’s the Chooks who we believe will get the gold. Championship- Roosters MEN’S 50 CHAMPIONSHIP All the smart money here seems to be flowing the way of the Sea Eagles and the Sharks, however there are some who are suggesting that the boys from down south, Jerrabomberra might just be the surprise packet. If you follow that form line then you also have to throw Newcastle into the mix and no longer is it a 2 horse race. Ballina and Renegades also will be competitive here and there is no reason to discount them either. Championship- Sharks MEN’S 55 CHAMPIONSHIP Yes folks we are still plying our trade and we love the trip to Port every year, even if our bodies kinda rebel come Monday morning. Our heavyweights will be the Knights and Manly. Fitness will play a big part in this division as will a good run without injuries. It’s a coin toss for us in this one- with Ballina, the Panthers and Makos all featuring. Championship- Knights SENIOR MIXED CHAMPIONSHIP Always a hard division to get a form line on and this year is no different with no real guide as to who is playing well now. Balmain, Easts and Carlingford look to be the big guns from the city and the Makos and Knights from the country. But we believe the winner will come from outside this group with Penrith and Wollongong to fight it out for the Cup. Championship- Panthers MIXED MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP 6 teams are starting, and hometown heroes Port Macquarie are rumoured to have a strong line up. Surely, we have barrack for the locals to get a win? Newcastle, Peninsula and Parkes will all want to spoil the party though. Look out for Forster as well. Championship- Port Macquarie 24 | Keeping In Touch 2018