by Jim Gordon
HOPETOUN V JEPARIT RAINBOW
Hopetoun coming off the bye should be fresh, but this will be a tough match for the Devils. The pressure is really on them to perform and a win is a must to enhance their finals aspirations after getting well beaten in their last outing at Ouyen.
The last time these two sides met, Hopetoun won by 16 points and that was at Jeparit, so with the home ground advantage, Hopetoun should be full of confidence knowing that they have the ability to minimise the influence of key Jeparit Rainbow players. This time, shutting down Lakers’ playmakers in the in-form Clugston brothers, will be crucial.
Unfortunately Bryce Wellington is in doubt for this game, he is suffering from a stained hamstring. Jayden Werner was outstanding in the backline for Jeparit Rainbow last week. He is a courageous player who put his body on the line in an effort to get himself in front of the Demon full forward Ash Connick and in the process, held him to three goals.
The Burdett brothers, Clint and Marcus are in very good form and Hopetoun’s defence that includes Quentin Willmott, Devon Mill, Steve Hallam, Simon Cook and Quentin Jones are working well together.
The Lakers did well last week against good opposition in Ouyen United. This match should be a very close encounter, almost too close to call. Playing at home, the Devils may be just a little too quick around the packs for the Lakers and if they can cover the loss of Bryce Wellington, they just might get the points.
OUYEN UNITED V BEULAH
This is a mouth watering rematch of the season’s top two teams. The last time they met, only one point separated them at the end in a memorable encounter at Beulah. It was said after the match that you would go a long way to see a Mallee game as good as that one and although it was anybody’s game at the end, Beulah were very worthy winners.
Ouyen United will be looking forward to a chance to revenge that defeat and playing at home, they could upset the Blues. Glenn Joyce is having a great season and he was missing from that game. Joyce gets a lot of the ball and uses it well, drawing other players such as Marc Hahnel, Peter Caldow and key forwards into the game.
Ash Connick was held goaless down at Beulah and the Demons will be looking for an improved performance from the big man this week.
With Kieran O’Shannessy due back, Ouyen’s defence should be bolstered, although players such as Adam Moore and Brenton Jardine are playing well.
Beulah is a class act. Any side with players such as the three Hallams, Clayton and Brad Shannon and Gareth Hose will be hard to beat. If you haven’t anything better to do, get along to this game as it promises plenty. You will be able to see some the best players in the Mallee League going around.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V WALPEUP UNDERBOOL
These two sides have been very disappointing lately. Injuries have decimated the Tigers and the Roos have never really gotten into gear.
This week the Tigers must win to keep the finals dream alive. Coach Joe Summerhayes should return after a long time on the sidelines to strengthen the backline and Nick Watson may be recalled after excellent form in the Reserves.
The Tigers will be happy playing on the big ground at Sea lake and will look to run and carry the ball against their taller Roo opponents. They held up for three quarters at Beulah, but ran out of steam and were held goaless in the final quarter whilst the Blues rammed home eight with the wind.
Tiger forwards Nathan Wight and Ryan Dowdy were held to two goals each last week and will come up against some very experienced Walpeup Underbool defenders in Chris Lynch and Jim Wakefield this week. If the Tiger pair can score around the five each mark as they did last time the sides met, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers could come out on top.
In that same match Roo Warrick Brady kicked five himself. Warrick is having a very good year, but will be looking to Matt Brown to get amongst the goals this time.
If the Tigers can get some of their walking wounded back this week they should be too talented for the Roos. They have a greater goal scoring potential and skilled onballers.
Last Modified on 11/07/2010 11:42
