by Jim Gordon
HOPETOUN V BEULAH
An unfortunate outcome of their very good win against Ouyen United last week was the number of injuries suffered by the Blues. It was a case of the walking wounded as Beulah limped back home with at least six injured players, some whom may not be back playing for several weeks. This makes the clash with local rivals Hopetoun, an interesting affair.
Blues in doubt for the match against Hopetoun are Jared Combe with an ongoing back injury, Jake Percy has a knee injury and will be a big loss after his great game last week, Brad Shannon and Sam Liston also have knee problems and Peter Lehmann has an injury to his shoulder and is still to seek medical advice at this stage.
Beulah is hopeful that Christopher McKenzie will be ready to return and, if needed, Matt Kane could be included. The Blues reserves are currently sitting on top of the ladder so there are others who could step up.
It is a pity for the Devils that Marcus Burdett will be unavailable due to VCFL Commitments as they are in with a real chance this week.
Hopetoun will rely heavily on their defence to shut down Beulah’s spread of goal kickers and will look to Zack Taggert and Clinton Burdett to win a lot of centre clearances to give the Devils a chance against a side that has already beaten them twice this season and will be looking for three wins out of three. Hopetoun are in with a chance, but even with a few out, this Beulah side is playing very good football and should win.
OUYEN UNITED V WALPEUP UNDERBOOL
This game will need a spark to lift it to the usually highly competitive affair between these local rivals. So far this season United has twice comfortably accounted for the Roos and there is little to suggest that they will be prevented in taking out their third win against their old foe.
Ouyen United were valiant in defeat against Beulah last week. The fact that they were seven goals down in the third quarter and got to within ten points of the Blues would have pleased the Demons. It looks like they will be able to welcome back at least two of their better players this week in Ash Connick and Brett Knowles. Kieran O’Shannessy is another who has been missed and should be back soon.
Walpeup Underbool has had to rely on too few players this season to keep them competitive. Week after week it is Jim Wakefield, Matt Palmer, Warrick Brady and Chris Lynch named in their best so let’s hope some of their other talented players are able to step up this week and give their supporters something to cheer about. One thing to come out of their disappointing season is that the Roos have been able to blood quite a few younger players.
At home, and with a lot to play for, Ouyen United should be too strong and talented for the Roos and will only be satisfied with a comfortable win.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V WOOMELANG LASCELLES
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers cruised to a big win against the Roos last week and are suddenly back in contention for a place in the four.
The last time these two sides met, the Tigers kept the Cats goalless. Even though Woomelang Lascelles have battled valiantly recently, they still have over ten injured players out and things do not look good for them this week because the Tigers are on the prowl. They have players to come back and should have close to a full strength team for the run home with the reward of finals action and another tilt at the flag.
Captain Liam Barry will be unavailable this week so the Tigers will be looking for a continuation of the recent good form of Mark Roberts and Darcy Ryan. Dual coaches Col Durie and Joe Summerhayes are on the mend after leg injuries and should amongst those back on the park before too much longer.
Woomelang Lascelles Captain Brodie Schack was a late withdrawal last week with a bruised heel, but he should be right this week. Even with a long list of injuries, the Cats are still fielding two sides and have boasted very good training numbers all year.
The Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers will be looking for a big win against Woomelang Lascelles as percentage may play a part later in the year in the formation of the final four. Unfortunately for the Cats, they may end up on the receiving end of some Tiger terror.
Last Modified on 21/07/2010 22:30
