The only thing of interest in this weekend’s final round of games in the 2022 NPL Tasmania season concerns who will finish second.
South Hobart are currently second, a massive 13 points adrift of champions Devonport Strikers, and a point ahead of third-placed Kingborough Lions United.
The Lions are in action tonight against deposed champions, Glenorchy Knights, who cannot improve on fourth position.
If the Lions win, as seems likely, they will leapfrog South Hobart into second place.
But, it is likely to be only for less than 24 hours as South Hobart entertain wooden-spooners Riverside Olympic at South Hobart Oval tomorrow and should win and finish in second spot.
If the Lions lose this evening, they will be condemned to third, while a win would not benefit the Knights, who are already locked into fourth place.
I believe firmly in the first-past-the-post football tradition of deciding the champions, but I don’t want the season to end and would love to see a final-four tournament to round off 2022.
I think the Knights have suffered because of the loss of striker Kyle Vincent, who has missed half the season after surgery on a back injury.
Be that as it may, their displays recently have been insipid and not worthy of a reigning champion.
They are ripe for defeat tonight and the Lions have much more incentive to produce the goods and collect 3 points.
Clarence Zebras will be without their main weapon, Riley Dillon, when they host champions Devonport Strikers at Wentworth Park tomorrow.
Dillon is suspended after being sent off in the 94th minute against South Hobart last Sunday.
That means the Zebras attack is likely to be blunt and unable to penetrate the Strikers’ defence.
Let’s hope Devonport turn it on and give a display worthy of the league champions and Lakoseljac Cup winners.
This is no disrespect to Clarence Zebras, but those of us who are neutral would love to see a master class from the new champions.
Olympia Warriors and Launceston City are playing for pride tomorrow and this game could go either way as both sides have shown glimpses of ability in recent weeks, as well as glaring weaknesses.
NPL Tasmania Round 21 programme
Friday, 9 September 2022:
Glenorchy Knights v Kingborough Lions United (Empire Couriers Park, 7pm)
Saturday, 10 September 2022:
South Hobart v Riverside Olympic (South Hobart Oval. 2pm)
Olympia Warriors v Launceston City (Empire Couriers Park, 2.30pm)
Clarence Zebras v Devonport Strikers (Wentworth Park, 2.30pm)
NPL Tasmania Standings (As at 4 September 2022)
|
TEAM |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Devonport Strikers |
20 |
18 |
1 |
1 |
66 |
10 |
55 |
|
South Hobart |
20 |
13 |
3 |
4 |
63 |
23 |
42 |
|
Kingborough Lions |
20 |
13 |
2 |
5 |
53 |
32 |
41 |
|
Glenorchy Knights |
20 |
12 |
1 |
7 |
44 |
25 |
37 |
|
Launceston City |
20 |
8 |
2 |
10 |
33 |
46 |
26 |
|
Clarence Zebras |
20 |
5 |
2 |
13 |
34 |
47 |
17 |
|
Olympia Warriors |
20 |
3 |
0 |
17 |
23 |
68 |
9 |
|
Riverside Olympic |
20 |
1 |
3 |
16 |
12 |
78 |
6 |
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