Any time that Norwood and North clash in the Central ABL Men’s competition, there’s more at stake than the three premiership points.

Whether it’s the proximity of their home bases, or just the consistently high standard of teams that the clubs have put on the floor in recent years, it rivals the inner South battles between Forestville and Sturt as the most intense in the league.

This year, the stakes are even higher.

When the teams met in the first game of the season, Norwood were without 36er centre David Cooper, while North had only just introduced Jason Reardon to the lineup. Even so, the game was still a corker, with both teams showing the benefit of a solid pre-season. Reardon missed a 3 in the dying seconds, and Norwood held on for a two point win.

Much has transpired since that game, and both coaches will have had the opportunity to try different combinations and do some more scouting of their opponent. Expect Norwood to have a plan to curtail the shooting of Erik Burdon, who had 36 points in game 1, but also expect North to try some different options on Keith Krause, whose 32 points and 16 rebounds in that game was the clincher.

A North victory by more than 2 will give the Rockets the ascendency in any end-of-season tie, and increase the likelihood of a home semi final at Hillcrest. A Norwood win would make it difficult for either North or Forestville to catch the Flames in the race for the minor premiership.

The women’s round will involve some even more intriguing games. The Sturt West battle at the Sabre Cave will go a long way towards determining the top five. West had the edge in game one, but both teams will be smarting from losses to Eastern and Forestville last round.

A South Southern derby is always entertaining, but the fact that the Panthers are clutching to finals hopes makes this game even more relevant. South has lost by 4 to Woodville, 3 to West (twice), 3 to Eastern, and also inflicted a loss on current leaders North. This one is anyone’s.

Two weeks ago, you would have pencilled in a win for North over Norwood, especially at Hillcrest, but with the late introduction of Lightning guard Jess Foley, the Flames are a very different team. They handled equal leaders Southern comfortably last round, and would keep their finals hopes alive if they snared the Rockets this week.

Whatever the outcome, the Launch Pad will be overflowing.