Well, we are about half way so thought it would be a good time to look back to give a first half recap, and forecast the rest of the season :

Premier Division

It's already looking like a two horse race, with the Caps and Souls leading the way. They meet again in a couple of weeks, which could already be a title decider. However, the teams below might have something to say about it, whether to make a late challenge or play the role of spoiler.

There's quite a logjam below them as only one game separates third from last. It's mainly been caused by teams beating each other, but unfortunately, it's also due to recent forfeits. The Rejects have had to forfeit their last two games, one to the Caps and another to the Forgers, which was the latter's first win in the Premier Division. However, they weren't satisfied with a win being handed to them, and they proceeded to beat the Dodgers the following week. Only two weeks ago, a last place finish appeared inevitable, however it’s now anyone's game, and the fight to avoid relegation might end up being more interesting than the fight for the title.

Given the Caps first win against the Souls, they have the advantage and in a strong position to defend their title. Souls will be right behind them, and the Rejects should regroup after their unfortunate situation of not having enough players in the last couple weeks, and finish third.

Prediction: 1st (Caps), 2nd (Souls), 3rd (Rejects)

First Division

The Doh Nuts gained valuable experience last season in the Premier Division, even though they finished at the bottom of the standings. Back into the First Division, they are showing why they are strong favourites to return to the Premier. Based on their results, it was looking like a dominant season until they fell to the Capitals last week. Will that loss give other teams giving chase an opportunity to claw back into the title race? Only time will tell.

Only one game separates second through fifth, so there is a lot to play for. And looking at recent results, there isn't much between them. The Hangovers appear to be heading to the Second Division next season unless they can mount a second half run. Perhaps at the very least upsetting a couple title challengers will help them gain more confidence going forward.

The Doh Nuts are too strong, and should safely take the title. Vandals have the experience and many would expect them to challenge, especially after last year's run to the final of the Handicap Cup. However recently promoted teams the Vultures and Capitals are not looking out of place. The Vultures especially have only lost once against teams other than the Doh Nuts (including handily beating both the Vandals and Capitals), and their run differential is much better than the teams below them. This should give them an edge going forward into a runner up position.

Prediction: 1st (Doh Nuts), 2nd (Vultures), 3rd (Vandals)

Second Division

Admittedly I know the least about the second division, as I don't get to see them, and also because there tends to be a fair amount of turnover (e.g. new teams, new players, changing teams etc). Last season the team that was closest to promotion was the Mayhem, who finished joint second with the Capitals but lost out on the head to head tiebreak.

The season they are leading the way in a very closely fought division. There is only one game separating first from sixth, and only the SL Underdogs are out of the title hunt. By experience alone, I feel that the Mayhem are due to take the title and re-join the First Division (they were there in 2009).

As for who should finish second, that is a more difficult choice so I'm going to make an educated guess. The More Nuts have improved and with the experience of their fellow Doh Nuts inevitably helping, not to mention a solid run for / runs against ratio, they are positioned well to make a run and keep close to the Mayhem.

Prediction: 1st (Mayhem), 2nd (More Nuts), 3rd (SL Shutouts)

I would say Premier 3rd spot will be much closer than you think Batz and Storks i would think are the stronger runners for 3rd, Rejects if they keep struggling they will be happy with mid-table. 1st and 2nd could all be over depending on the Souls @ Caps in a couple weeks time.

Div 1 - Dohnuts are going to walk it but have they pickup any softball knowledge along the way for the return to Prem ?

Yeah I thought that the Rejects would win on Monday with a 'full' squad but also not surprised that the Batz beat them again. And Storks are looking better, sure. Will be definitely be an interesting second half, as a lot of teams can beat each other on any given day.

We may have had a chance with a full squad but started game with 9 players and went down to 8 after 4 innings as one player had to leave early

So considering the score we were happy

Main aim this year is to get full team out for game against Souls and Caps and try to make it a tight race at the top

My thoughts....

Premiership - based on the fact they have won the league 7/8 last years can only assume it will be another 14-0 white wash season for the Rally Caps....beaten once in the last 3 years with an average of about 6 runs against a game......will they beaten in the next 5-10 years???? who knows as long as they keep attracting key players and staying injury free. Would like to see the Demons stay up as they have been a good addition to the prem.

Div 1 - Dohnuts winners depending on alchol levels and police arrests. (Is 5 bottles of magners during a game classed as a sport enhancing substance?).

Div 2 - I dont know but great to see 4/5 teams in the running...best division in the league as far as I am concerned....good on ja!

50 Pence....

The Souls might have something to say about it. And other teams have given them close games this season as well. A good chance at another title but definitely far from guaranteed.

Yeah that third division race is great!

Magners!!! Never touch the stuff ;-)

Caps will go undefeated this season. More interested in the relegation battle, Demons look like the wheels are coming off a bit and the game with the Forgers should go a long way to deciding who goes down.

D'oh Nuts wont lose another game this season. Holiday season is now over and the defeat and almost defeat last week will hopefully have given us a kick up the arse! TO answer Soul69 I think we are definately picking up knowledge but perhaps not quickly enough. Vultures have easily been the 2nd best team we have played. Saying that the Throwbacks had a couple of interesting new additions the other night that will help.

Division 3 is going to be close. Standard Life 1 have shot to the top of the league and the Xiles have won 4 or 5 on the bounce. Hoping the More Nuts can pull themselves together after a sticky period. The Xiles were looking pretty decent the other night though so will back them to win the title.

Now a four way tie for the lead in the second division. Wow.

And Capitals making a statement against the Vultures. Should be an interesting finish.

What an outrageous suggestion - we were voluntarily helping the Lothians and Borders Police with their inquiries - we take our civic responsibilities seriously.

And we suggested that L&BP might like to enter a team next year, although uncertainties of shift working could be an issue...

I think the Rally Caps and D'oh Nuts can tie up the league with wins next week. Both reasonably expected at the start of the season.

2nd division is far too hard to call! Standard Life have the easiest run in and are top of league. More Nuts looked out of it but are now back in due to replay of Mayhem game. Their run in is hard thought with Xiles, Mayhem and Candy Bulls left.

I fancied Xiles but the loss against Candy Bulls was costly. They now need to beat More Nuts and Standard Life in next two weeks.

Mayhem need to win the replay against More Nuts!

Candy Bulls need to beat Standard Life next week!

Will all be a bit clearer by end of Thursday.

Caps and Souls now won their leagues.

Who is next???

Big game for More Nuts on Thursday. Win that and league is decided week after against Candy Bulls...

Really? ;)

No, not really! Especially after last night!

:)

Teach me to type to quickly!

Well done Caps for winning league again.