Time is drawing near for the Tee Off of the biggest and best ever EPOB golf day.
Under the direction of tournament manager Lucio Baroni, this years event has set new standards in both numbers and sponsorship.
This years sponsors include:    Choice Homeloans     -Butch
                                                Maughan & Leach     -Maughany
                                                The Hyde Park Hotel    -Higgo
                                                Airfrig                        Crossy
                                                American Express    -Besty
                                                Bunbury Toyota       -Blakers
                                                Lease-Equity(?)        - Jim Tsagalis
                                                The Football Development Trust - Rosey
                                                Unique and Specialty Flooring    -Westy

Plus there may be others on the day.

At the time of publication we have had a few blokes unable to play or pull out at the last minute- here are some of their piss weak excuses

Andy "Flapper" Glendenning- having his ears pinned
J.R.-still finishing Delbos pergola
Franco Delcasale-still saving for the jugs he owes from last years event (5 no past the ladies)
Barts- counting his money
Jimmy No Cigars- Ditto
Milo- Criket finals
Holl-torn eyelash
Copes/Lewy-in QLD
Gav Howlett- busy selling real estate in Dunsborough and practicing for his next fart show
Stubbers-work commitments
Porky-a wedding(not his own)
T.P. (Ten Putts)- got a tip on a horse
"Cheatin Ian"-in Pemberton for the start of the Marron season
Mouse- In Sydney(because it is the start of the Marron season)

There are others, but we can only go with those who want to make some "commitment - Players"

7/2    Rocky and Pudu.    The old stager Rock has had a grin a mile wide since he heard that his partner was Pudu, he has been super confident and not afraid to tell anyone either. Perhaps he knows more about Pudus game than the rest of us. Pudu claims to be a non player- but something tells me thats not entirely accurate. Hence they deserve to be in the front line of the betting. Strong showing likely.

4/1 Maughany and Morgs.    Maughany originally drew another player and was present when he pulled out. He was on the phone so quick to get his own new partner that the rest of had no time to make a suggestion. So we can safely assume that Morgs can play, if Maughany can get some of those big booming drives going they will be hard to beat. Have to respect their chances.

4/1    Besty and Hawkeye.    Another paring likely to finish in the wash up at the end. Besty fresh of a 93 this week and Hawkeye pretty happy with himself after sneaking in as a B grader. Both would be keen to have a win but their chances could depend on how well they handle the banter which is sure to come from their playing partners.    Should finish somewhere in the money.

9/2    Delbo and Matt Clape.    Another pairing that has an unknown to debut. Delbs is sure to have the old Tic Toc swing going and would be keen to show that he can do something other than drive the cart in a winning pair. Matt claims to be a bit of a hacker, but like Pudu we cant imagine it to be the case. One to keep an eye out for.     Worth a flutter.

9/2    Brendan and Chris Pyke.    This could be the upset pair. Word is that Chris can play - he is going to have to be able to if they are a chance because we have all seen Brendan play! There is enough to suggest though that they could threaten. Keep safe.

6/1    Butch and Rosey.    Could line up in a last minute shuffle due to some late scratchings. Butch is keen as mustard and has been playing all week in an effort to regain the trophy he was gifted last year.
Rosey is a first timer and was originally drawn to play with Howlett-this scratching may help him to concentrate on his own game and with Buch they may have enough in the bag to get over the line.
Have some claims

13/2    Ada and George.     Adrian comes in as a late replacement and as our only present East Perth footballer. Last year he carried Franco all around the course and almost got up single handedly so we know he can play. This year he has been saddled with George-out of the same golfing school as Franco, and again it could prove too big a task. More than likely though, George would have put in a few hours on the practice fairway so he should offer something.    Worth a look

7/1    Tommy and Bettsy.    Tommy certainly has come close in the past and could figure again if Bettsy can play. Word has it he is more than capable on the course so this could be the surprise pairing in the field. We do know though that if there is a photo finish they will be in it.     Good each way bet

8/1    Bainy and Blakers    No recent form to go on but Blakers is sure to turn up well prepared for a big one. We also know that the Rat is pretty competitive and after a taste last year he has probably been honing his skills just for this event. They do have some claims but it would all have to go right for them on the day.    Place at best.

10/1    Hangers and Westy.    Have the task of trying to upset their playing partners as well as concentrating on their own game. Westy is likely to giggle around the course as he did last year and this could prove too much of a distraction for the debutant in Hangers.     Doubt it.

12/1    Vic and Wrighty.    Vic, as another newcomer with claims of being unable to play has drawn the  out of form Wrighty. Plenty of ifs about this pairing. If Vic can play and produce some shots and if Wrighty can hit a rare patch of form they could threaten. Too many ifs for this pair

20/1    Arch and Crossy.    Both players are sure to enjoy themselves out there, but must really only be here for the social outing. Crossy has got the 150m par 3's covered, but is Arch going to hit a fairway? Only if he stays of the space cake beforehand Novelty Bet

100/1     Hoops and Sharky Shaw    Two first timers, both claiming to be crabs, so it is hard to see them doing any good unless they are both telling Porkies. Taken at face value we will have to believe them, hence their odds. Write your own ticket.

Last year the bookie picked the trifecta so we will see how we go this year. The weight of expectation may be too great for some on the front  few lines of betting though. Start your sledging and bring your game and wit to the course.