The Rams will be hoping for a change of fortune in the semi-finals in a few weeks time, however without Ben Edmunds, their chances of upsetting the favourites for the championships appear gloomy.

Lawson Park went on a scoring rampage from the tip off, the 20-4 advantage at quarter time indicating it would be an easy victory.

Erasing a 16 point deficit were big numbers against the shooting power of Lawson Park, but Crystal Clear set about the formidable task early in the second period, Stephen Consadine and George Tavita slotting quick baskets.

Matt Purtell and Jordan Woolmer were quick to reply for Lawson Park, however the Rams with more time in possession gradually narrowed through Tavita and Consadine, and by half time were back in the contest although still trailing by 13 points.

The third quarter was a stalemate, neither side dominating, which was bad news for Crystal Clear whose attempt to overcome their opponents was clearly flagging, and still 12 points in arrears.

Sensing the opposition was tiring, Lawson Park turned on the after burners in the final quarter, but the Rams, after an energy sapping, torrid middle period of the game they had nothing left, and were blown away 19-8, with Lawson Park taking the match by 23 points.

Padraigh Hickey 17 points, Chris Spinner 14 and Justin Howden 13 for Lawson Park.

For Crystal Clear Rams, George Tavita 20, Steve Consadine 12 and Graeme Brown 11.

A full strength Mayso’s Golf Shop outlasted a four man Country Physio line up 64-59 in the first game of the night at the PCYC.

The fortunes of both fluctuated wildly throughout the match, each quarter favouring one team or the other.

Mayso’s with the advantage at the end of the first period 18-11, mainly through Peter Mayson’s 10 points, Liam Young hitting a 6 points to keep Country Physio in touch.

Country Physio claimed the second quarter 13-11 and hardly missed a beat after half time, obliterating their opponents lead with a 22-13 run to hit the front at the final break 46-42.

With only four players there was always a chance Country Physio would run out of puff, and to their obvious disappointment that’s exactly what happened.

Mayso’s Golf Shop, upped the ante in the final quarter after a poor third period, given their numerical superiority, and ran over the top of a tiring opposition 22-13 to snatch a five point win.

Peter Mayson led the scoring for the winners with 29 points, Dean Saxby 20.

For Country Physio, Liam Young finished with 26 points his best for the season, Jim Disher a reliable 21.

The game at St Matthews went to Mudgee Golf Club (MGC) over Hairy Globetrotters 59-32.

The Globetrotters, below full strength, were unable to produce the form displayed against Crystal Clear Rams last week, illustrated by MGC’s 23-12 lead at half time and 41-21 at the final break.

Scoring the points for Mudgee Golf Club, were, Justin Hackett 8, Jackson Thomas 6, Jacob Edmonds 7, Julian Geddes 4, Adam Keightley 12.

For Hairy Globetrotters, Cameron Anderson 20, Sean Wolfson 8, Craig Reiss 4.

Leading the points table with three rounds remaining is Lawson Park on 48, Crystal Clear Rams39, Country Physio 27, Mudgee Golf Club 25, Mayso’s Golf Shop 21, Hairy Globetrotters 18.

PCYC

6-30 Mudgee Golf Club V Crystal Clear Rams

7-30 Hairy Globetrotters V Country Physio

St Matthews

6-30 Lawson Park V mayso’s Golf Shop