No, it’s not just a sense of deja vu.
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If you’re a Group 11 fan you have been here before.
Not quite sure where this is going? Let’s go back to round 11, 2016.
Dubbo CYMS wins again, still unbeaten and headed for the minor premiership. Sits on top of the ladder with 22 points while Nyngan sits further behind in second after scoring a tough win over a fellow top five contender.
After that, Parkes and Forbes are also in the hunt while Macquarie remains fifth despite a tight and painful loss. Then, the Narromine Jets sits just a point outside the finals and are coming home with a wet sail.
This is feeling very similar. Even more so when you look at what happened on the weekend in what was round 11 of the 2017 season.
CYMS won again, remaining unbeaten and all but certain to finish with the minor premiership.
Nyngan scored a gritty win over a fellow finals contender, this time Forbes, to maintain a hold on second place.
Parkes won to move into third while Forbes is fourth and Macquarie sits fifth despite a hard-fought loss.
Also, Narromine sits just one point outside the finals. This year, they’re joined by Wellington on six points.
You can’t make this stuff up. It feels like history is repeating itself.
It gets even more crazy when you take a closer look at things.
CYMS dominated the bulk of the 2016 regular season but in the final few rounds teams got a bit closer to the Fishies.
We all remember the cracking 8-7 win over thew Nyngan Tigers.
This year has been the same. CYMS has been virtually untouchable but on Saturday the Macquarie Raiders really stuck it to the competition leaders, only to go down 14-4.
Yes, CYMS wasn’t at its best but you can’t deny it was the biggest test the Fishies have faced this season.
We all know how last season ended.
CYMS was the best side all season but on the biggest day of the year the Forbes Magpies produced a stunning performance and won the title in one of the best grand finals seen in some time.
Many feel the competition is the Fishies’ to lose this season but we only need to go back 12 months to remember nothing is a given in sport.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
