by Jim Gordon
WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V JEPARIT RAINBOW
History shows that this is difficult away match for Jeparit Rainbow. Whether it is the long trip north, or the fact that they just do not match up well against the Roos, victories at Underbool for the Lakers have been rare.
However, they will welcome back joint captain Brett Fisher who played in the reserves last week in a carefully orchestrated come back from injury. Fisher should strengthen a backline that has had good players recently in Adam Roll, Jayden Werner and Luke Werner. Other additions to strengthen the Lakers’ side will be Tim Price, Corey Waldron, Brian Harrison and Ben Zanker who will all be returning from injury.
Jeparit Rainbow know that they will be in for a tough afternoon, especially with Matthew Brown kicking goals again for the Roos, Jim Wakefield was very good in defence last week, Kane Munro is a class act and small man Ross Stone is in good form. Jeparit Rainbow will rely on Justin Chilver to generate drive from the ruck, Heath Clugston and Corey Waldron to win the ball around the ground and Ash Clugston - presuming he is fit - to add depth and talent. Up forward they need Peter Weir to fire and he will, as long as he gets plenty of support from the likes of Harrison and Zanker.
This is an important game for Jeparit Rainbow who must win to hold on to fourth place. Time is running out for Walpeup Underbool. They need to win soon to press for the four, but they may have to wait for at least another week.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V HOPETOUN
In an unusual quirk of the draw, this is the first meeting of these two teams for the season. The Cats are languishing at the bottom of the ladder, but their spirit is high and they are getting a lot of players to training. They were competitive against Ouyen United for the first quarter last week, so they know that they have the ability to match it with any side for at least part of a match and will look for a good start against Hopetoun to give themselves some confidence.
Hopetoun were good last week in their high scoring win against Walpeup Underbool. Although Woomelang Lascelles haven’t won a game this season, they should not be underestimated especially as they hope to get back Jason Kreuger and Kade Schack.
This is a match Hopetoun would expect to win and win well in their challenge for a place in the four. The Devils have a few players in great form, but really need a solid overall team effort this week. With Marcus Burdett back from suspension, and with Woomelang Lascelles having eight players on the injury list, they should be far too strong for the Cats.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V OUYEN UNITED
This is the match of round with the second placed Demons taking on the third placed Tigers at Berriwillock. Although soundly beaten the last time these two sides met, the Tigers will be looking forward to the clash after finding very good form before having two weeks off due to the Interleague match and a bye.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers’ youthful backline lead by Taylor Hannig and Corey Stadon held Woomelang goalless in the last game they played, a performance that may have been even better than the Demons easy win against the hapless Cats last week. Yet this is a classy Ouyen United side, with good all over the ground teamwork and they are getting an outstanding contribution from running players Marc Hahnel, Ryan O’Callaghan and Peter Caldow.
The form of Col Durie and Darcy Ryan has been excellent all year, but joint Tiger coach Joe Summerhayes is on the sidelines and will be missed after damaging his ankle against Woomelang Lascelles. Key forwards Ryan Dowdy and Nathan Wight will need to have another day out as they did against the Cats, and the smaller Berriwillock ground may just suit their body strength and ability to hold the ball in their forward line.
For the Demons, Ash Connick is back in form kicking nine goals last week, Glenn Joyce is playing well as are experienced players in Corey O’Callaghan and Jarrod Munro. Ouyen United are at near full strength with Brenton Jardine and Kieran O’Shannessy ready to return and should be too strong and too talented for the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers, even away from home.
Last Modified on 19/06/2010 19:47
