Final furlong looks a thriller

It’s crunchtime in the Grappa Kings Serie A with the new format proving a thrilling success. Eight teams are within four points of one another at the top of the table with just seven weeks to go. Who can make the final rush and take the crown?

Here we band the teams according to their prospects.

TITLE FIGHTERS – Defending champion Rich Godden leads the way with Team Ramrod but only by the most slender of margins thanks to his defeat by title rivals Iain Pollock’s Lockerbie Legends. Godden’s crew had looked like setting sail for victory last week but their wings have been clipped by the Legends. Having shaken off their faith in Liverpool players it has been onwards and upwards for the Lockerbie side. One of their top scorers this week was even an Evertonian.

Also in the hunt are long-time pacesetters Colin Moffat’s G31 Galacticos. Fuelled, like many teams, by the Lampard-Drogba combo they crushed the lowly Atletico Madboy this week to move within a point of glory. Also right there is Chelsea’s biggest fan (both literally and metaphorically) Kenny Eggo. Once again, he has turned to the dark side in his pursuit of success – Wayne Rooney is in his line-up.

Rounding out the challengers are Kenny Ross’s The Bootiful Game who seem to have ditched their misfortune for a time and James Horncastle’s Cape Crusaders who have made it their stated mission to “beat Godden at all costs”. The two Rinaldis, Giancarlo and Carlo, seem to be heading in opposite directions but both the Doonhamers and Gianfranco Gorgonzola are firmly in the running for glory.

OUTSIDE SHOTS/UEFA CONTENDERS – It will take a fine finale for Serafino Ingardia’s Sicilia to win the league but they are heading in the right direction. In less convincing form are Doug Archibald’s Rockstars Fragmented (possibly distracted by the rugby), Lachlan Eggo’s Oisin’s Eleven (distraught at Chelsea’s Champions League elimination?), Willie Johnston’s Willie’s Warriors (revival has hit a wall) and Stefano Rinaldi’s AC Putanesca (fatherhood taking its toll?). Nonetheless, they could all make it near to the top of the table with a good finish.

STRUGGLERS/RELEGATION FEARS – Alex Robertson’s Abercromby’s Medal look in the best position to avoid the drop but with four teams relegated, nothing is guaranteed. After looking like no-hopers, Robbo’s men appear to have turned the corner. Pat Cook’s Cantenaccio should also be too good to go down – they have gathered less points than their form deserves. However, things are less bright for Joe O’Brien at Joe Bhoy FC (another Mogga?) and the Colthart clan with father and son Colin and Ethan in danger of the drop. The prospects for Kevin Sharp and Steve Wilson look bleak indeed. However, there are 21 points at their disposal which could secure safety with some ease.

In Serie B just like at Manchester United, the Americans have taken control. Fuelled by spiralling debts and hours of fantasy sports study, Dr Khrem – otherwise known as Mike Maliskas – stormed to the top on the back of a 122 point haul. It has left Steve Fitzpatrick and Kieran Westbrook with a mountain to climb. They are still within range but after winning the Grappa Cup, those US boys look unstoppable.

Graeme Nicol appears to have grabbed the last promotion spot although he will need to keep looking over his shoulder at the threat of Peter Bourne’s Pietro Nato and Midge Mowbray’s Mope Utd.

The amazing surge of Aidan Bain’s Titus Bramble continues and they would surely have been promotion contenders if they had not missed the opening weeks of the season. Stef Todd’s Bairnfica continue to perform well despite their cup elimination and another US competitor, Bill Isley, appears to have got the hang of things late in the season. Unlike David Wynn who has tailed off badly after a promising start (maybe too busy laughing at Mowbray’s Celtic).

It looks like another Serie B season looms for Siofra Eggo, Rossella Marrai, Stephen Heath, Elia Davidson and Frank Bentz. But they have been honourable competitors whose involvement has been much appreciated by the league commissioner. Next year, folks, there is always next year…

US triumph in Grappa Cup

It was an overseas victory in the Grappa Cup last week as Beat Scotty for Mike Maliskas overwhelmed Iain Pollock's Lockerbie Legends in the final.

This was a particularly impressive display as it means the trophy not only leaves the UK but also goes to a second division side - although they look in line for promotion.

Sincere apologies for the late report, due to me being off for a few days.

Normal service will be resumed in future.

GRAPPA CUP FINAL RESULT

Lockerbie Legends 1 Beat Scotty 4

Cup finalists take centre stage

It's Scotland versus the US in the final of the Grappa Cup. Iain Pollock's Lockerbie Legends take on Dr Khrem's Beat Scotty for the knockout trophy of the year.

No points advantage in this one as the game takes place at the neutral venue of the Rinaldiville Grappadome.

Semi final results...

Titus Bramble 4 Beat Scotty 5
Lockerbie Legends 2 Cant Get Right 0

The final between Beat Scotty and Lockerbie Legends takes place this weekend.

Meanwhile, the league battle hots up even further. Last week we reported how nine teams were within seven points of the top spot. Now there are nine within just six points. A classic final few weeks beckon.