View from the Oche Game Previews

Pikey Pete’s Predictions

Pikey Pete makes a return to VFTO and looks at some of the opening games in the three Divisions. [ These predictions are based on the squad information currently on The SIDL]

Div 1

Mabuhay v Tavern

Can anyone stop last season’s Champions? Well the answer in a few games during the season may be yes but it would take a brave man to bet against them taking the title. They are led once again by Mario, an experienced Captain with many, many years of experience behind him. He has seen it all and done it all [though don’t tell his wife –I work with her]. The squad remains intact from last season with strong performers, Adrian, Zarggie, Jonel and Raymond all refreshed and itching to go again. Pikey Pete though is suggesting you look out for the form of an unlikely addition to this previously Philippines based team. Seen sneaking in some rather impressive pre-season practice was their new young Korean wonderkid –‘The Golden Pelican’ – brought up on the hard backstreets of downtown Seoul. Allegedly just brought in for the one season it will interesting to see how he fits into the tight knit group of Mabuhay.

The Tavern team may not be the largest squad in Division 1 but this small band of merry brothers performed admirably last year and ensured a continued presence in the Division, with some quality darts and fighting spirit. It may have been claimed that their home victories were a result of Chef Neil’s clever ploy of stuffing opposition teams into lethargy with his sumptuous pre-game snacks but that would be to take away from some impressive performances last season. In Karl and Rab, they have players that can perform consistently and also upset top players on their day. Dan has settled in well after his move from the defunct Dreamtime and has raised his game accordingly. But it is the team ethic which has really seen the team perform so well last season and with such a small squad they really need to continue that going.

In tonight’s game, I really cannot see anything but a comfortable victory for Mabuhay, who will aim to send out a strong message to the rest of the Division that they aim to keep their title once again.

Pikey Pete’s prediction: 9 -3 win to the team from Phattys

Pinoy v Vinyl

This could be an interesting fixture. The Vinyls will probably be missing Mario for this game but will be able to call on veteran new recruit Rick, who has moved from the folded Prixx. It is a strong looking squad and competition for places will be fierce. Lee will once again defy the ravages of age and look to medical science, to lead them to a top four place at seasons end.

Pinoys come up to Div 1 and I think their view is that they will just want a season of consolidation, after some impressive performances in Div 2. Pikey Pete’s sources have led him to believe that they may be weakened though by the loss of a couple of players in Rey and Bhong and they will need to make that Jeorge and Mike are available on a regular basis and that Ryan can escape from Phattys Management on a Tuesday.   I think they will survive the season ok if they can ensure those things, if not, I am not so sure.

Pikey Pete’s Prediction: Even with a full strength Pinoy side I think I will still go for an 8-4 Vinyl’s win

Other Games

Those Guys 8 v Charmed Assassins 4

Toros 6 v Ice Blue 6

 

 

Div 2

The Bounced Checks v Phattys Phukkers

This was the final game of last season for both these teams and was a nervous relegation [well not as it turned out] match. The renamed Check, whilst having a new name and a new home venue are once again relying on last season’s small playing squad. All of the team are capable of good performances on the night and have similarish records, with Johnny and Matty, Cathal and Sean topping their points scoring charts last season. They will hoping to continue their fighting spirit into the new campaign and show the same determination that helped them overcome a 5-3 deficit in the last meeting between the two sides.

The Phukkers will be seeking revenge after a rather spectacular collapse last season that saw them fall into the last relegation spot in the final minutes of the season. They have been reprieved and will be looking to maintain a much more consistent form over the next few weeks, in what is a very competitive division. They have some big hitters and will be looking to Geordie and Colin push them on and if he does not impose a self-imposed boycott this season ,Niall will no doubt ably assist them. Captain Brainy Smurf has a big squad to pick from and will be hoping his support players of Jimish, Ben and Margarita can quickly find their form. Smoggy, who on his day can beat most, may not feature as strongly, which may weaken them slightly.

Pikey Pete Prediction- A tight match once again, with a 6-6 result hopefully keeping both teams happy to have an unbeaten start.

No Star Where v Alayah

A game that both were not expecting to play after Alayah finished third last year but circumstances have brought together these two old campaigners to once again battle it out. Alayah really are a team of old [sorry guys] campaigners ,with many  with well over a decade of playing Saigon darts. Still playing and looking good are Emile, XQMe, Eric and Willy. They have so much experience to call on and whilst they may not be as competitive as in previous years, opponents would be foolish not to watch out for them. These guys have played some top darts in the past and will be looking to teach some of the up and coming young bucks in Div 2 a lesson or two. I do not see them challenging for titles but one thing is sure, they will enjoy the night and they will make sure whatever the result you will too! They are joined by Phuong, who has found a new home after the collapse of ACDC and she will be a great smiling addition to the team -they are well matched.

No Star Where have steadily rebuilt after a few lean seasons, where form and shortage of players have affected them badly. But one of longest surviving teams in the league had a very impressive season last time around and will be looking to make their mark once again in Div 2. However my optimism for the season may be tempered by the fact that I do not see three of their top performers on the team roster for upcoming matches. Captain Fudgie is always a strong competitor and Mike G can most definitely cause an upset, but to lose three of your best players would have been a blow to these guys. Fudgie will make sure they are competitive though and will make sure they perform to their best. I hope I am wrong about NSW once again struggling for numbers, because as I said ,they fought back to be a real force again last season. Pikey Pete remembers some good battles against Troy and Eng in the past, so if they can get those two playing regularly, that will strengthen them considerably.

Pikey Pete’s Prediction: NSW 5 Alayah 7

Other Games

Really Rottens 5 v Bnb Shrine 7

Dirty Blues 6 v Madhouse 6

 

Div 3

Patient Pricks v The Nomads

Probably a game neither side wish they were having but for different reasons however SIDL rules have brought together the social Pricks against the reformed , and whilst no less social ,probably more competitive Nomads. The Pricks I do not think have been looking forward to this game, against a team with some quite well established ex Div 1 and 2 players. But I would imagine they have just said sod it and give it their best shot and make sure they have an enjoyable night and Nomads certainly wish for the same. In Priestley, Tripps and Alex, the Pricks have some players, who if on form, will make the Nomads battle all the way. Looking further ahead to the season ,the Pricks will look to move on to probably more even matched games and do what they do best – throw, drink and enjoy [ which is the essence of our darts nights in Pikey’s view].

The Nomads are strong, especially for this Division, but as we have seen before when a strong Vinyl team started in Div 3, they won’t get it all their own way and players and teams often rise to the challenge. In their ranks they have Chad; consistently a good performer in the top division and Captain Glyn can also look to picking one of female top players in Thuy Tran, veteran Brett, TnT Logan and the competitive Melvin. Whilst a strong team ,this squad is small and whilst they are expected to maintain a strong title challenge ,they will need to make sure of regular attendance ,otherwise some other useful sides in Div 3 could cause an upset or two.

Pikey Pete’s prediction: I reckon Pricks will find it difficult against a full strength Nomads but expect them to pick up a few games – 9-3 to The Nomads.

Buddha v BAZ

Buddha Bar will be looking to bounce back from a very disappointing campaign in Div 2, where they really did not do themselves justice. They have kept together their squad for the last few seasons and have a fair amount of experience. They should have one of the division’s outstanding performers in Tun, who every year is near the top of the scoring charts. John had a fairly good past season and we saw fleetingly good performances from Dan, Lan and David. Captain Adam will be looking to return to form in this Division and show what he is truly capable of. Scotty perhaps was missed a bit last season, with not a lot of attendance. They should do fairly well in the upcoming season and I would predict maybe a top three finish, if they can keep their regular players attendance going.

BAZ are a newly formed team but one with plenty of experience and faces from seasons past. They have ex Prixx, Alayah and BIA players in their ranks, with Alan and Donald featuring most prominently. A few of their players may be a bit ring rusty after taking breaks from the league recently, but they will be coolly and wisely led by Kevin. I think most would imagine that we see them initially as the main competition to the Nomads in this league and they will need to live up to that.

Pikey Pete’s Prediction – I am going for a narrow 7-5 win for BAZ.

 

Other Games

Bernie’s Best 6 Projectile Dysfunction 6

Dailo’s DM 5 V Black Magic 7