Superpesis Final - preview



Can Joensuu repeat and win the final in 2019?
Photograph from Joensuu Facebook (c) Joensuun Maila 2019
Postseason preview: semi finals


Sotkamon Jymy (2) v Joensuun Maila (4)
Head to head: Both these teams have won once against the other during the regular season, Sotkamo’s win was in a supervuoro whereas Joensuu beat Sotkamo in 2 straight jakso. Going back beyond this season, Joensuu have won the last 3 previous matchups, during the regular season in 2018, but further back the record stacks up in Sotkamo’s favour. 
Form: Sotkamo come off the back of a gruelling 5 game series against last year’s runners-up KPL, whereas Joensuu have swept their opponents in the quarter-finals and semifinals, so are well rested. The regular season seems but a distant memory now, so recent form is probably more telling as to where the teams are at. Sotkamo have not put in a dominant performance in the semifinals, save perhaps for the final game in that series; although they tied the first jakso in that game. Joensuu have been able to dominate Vimpeli, who were league leaders by some margin when the regular season ended. 
Prediction: Sotkamo to win, 3 games to 2.
... or will Sotkamo return to former glory?
Photograph from Sotkamo Facebook (c) Sotkamon Jymy 2019
Summary: If we could say it’s anyone’s series to win and leave it at that we would. On balance, there is just a little spark about Sotkamo that shows that they can win any game against any opponent on any given day, but they have been prone to dropping jakso and games in the regular season to much lower teams in the league. JoMa are on the March and are reigning champions, but there is a pressure on Joensuu to win which Sotkamo may not have. Whilst Sotkamo are perennial contenders for the title given their pedigree, they came to this season without expectations. This final will shape up to be a fitting end to another wonderful season of pesäpallo.

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