After traditional powerhouses the Bay Cavaliers, as well as Broulee’s B grade side, were unable to get squads together this summer, the decision was made to join A grade and B grade for a seven-team competition.

That move was originally met with disappointment by some of the Eurobodalla’s senior players.

However, with surprise packet Bodalla sitting on top of the table after round six, Saul said the call to combine the two grades has finally been justified.

“It’s been a lot tighter than we expected,” he said.

“There have been a few blowout scores but the competition has worked out quite well.

“I think with what we’ve got, the cleanout was the best thing to do with it and it just gives everyone a chance to play against everybody else.

“If anything, playing under one banner has brought all the teams together.”

Saul suggested the joint competition hasn’t been as painful as some thought it might be and he said Bodalla’s performances in particular so far this season had given the other former B grade sides real hope.

“I think it wasn’t as bad as people expected it to be,” he said.

“So in that regard, it’s pleasing to see that anybody on any given day can give any team a real shake.”

Saul admitted it was a “surprise” to see Bodalla atop the standings at this stage of the season, but he predicted the likes of Bay Tigers Black and Dalmeny-Narooma to recover from now on.