by Jim Gordon
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V JEPARIT RAINBOW
In a game that is important for both sides, Woomelang Lascelles take on Jeparit Rainbow at home. Whoever brings their best form to this match up will get the four points and both of these sides have reason to approach the game with confidence.
The Laker’s recent away record against the Cats is good; they have won at Woomelang the last two years even when Woomelang Lascelles looked to have had the stronger of the two line ups.
Woomelang Lascelles did very well last week to hold the talented Hopetoun side to a draw and will need to play with the same intensity to push for their first win at home this season. The Cats have no injury concerns with Mark Charleson again a chance to force his way into the side after another strong reserves performance.
James Phillip is doubtful for the Lakers after he left the ground last week due to an ankle injury. This will weaken the Jeparit Rainbow forward line and not for the first time they will rely on their small forwards in Jake Parry and Ash Clugston and their midfielders to kick goals. Luke Werner is a possibility to play forward after last week’s great final quarter effort.
Heath Clugston made a welcome return to the Lakers last week. Clugston is an important cog in the Laker machine. His presence, as well as his ball winning and his ability to go forward and kick goals lifts the whole team.
Jeparit Rainbow get a lot of drive from Justin Chilver, AaronBeer, Sean Bayzand and Lucas Edelsten. Woomelang Lascelles are going to have to try and negate their influence on the game to have a chance of defeating the Lakers.
Andrew Watson has been in great form at centre half back. His fierce attack on the ball, strong marking and spoiling make him another dangerous player and he gets good support from Tyler Edelsten.
Jeparit Rainbow also did well last week just failing to catch the Roos at Rainbow and go down by only 12 points. The Lakers will be desperate for a win to keep in touch with the top four.
They played well for three quarters against Walpeup Underbool and had they done the same against Beulah two weeks ago, they might have got a win against the Blues. They are going to have to carry their recent good form from their last two matches into this week’s game; if they do, they could come away with a win this time.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V HOPETOUN
With only two points separating these two teams on the ladder, this is a vital game for both sides. Hopetoun had a very good win over Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers when these two sides met in Round 1 at Hopetoun. This time, if the Devils bring last week’s dismal form to the game, the result could be reversed.
It looks like the Tigers will be without Jarrod Alderton who is likely to miss with a quad injury, otherwise they will be at almost full strength.
Winning centre clearances will be critical in this game as both sides have strength up forward and if either Jarrod Arentz or Kain Robins gets on top, it will give their side a big advantage. Quentin Willmott or Ben Reid are likely to get the job on Jarrod Arentz at full forward and with Alderton out, the Tigers are likely to use Stephen Lyons or Luke Martin on Robins.
The Devils are pleased with the form of Anthony Baker and Luke Carr. They will need to watch out this week as they are up against a very strong midfield duo in evergreen Col Durie and Darcy Ryan, fresh from a best on ground performance against Ouyen United last week.
Simon Cook should be back from injury this week and he may have to go straight into
The ruck with the likely unavailability of Anthony Kelly.
Hopetoun will be expecting more from Bryce Wellington after a couple of games back from injury. Wellington was in good form before that enforced break. Thomas Motlop is expected to return this week.
This should be a fast, open game which should suit the Devils who were shut down by the Cats last week. A fast running game will suit the fleet footed Devils more and may help them get the edge over the Tigers. Nevertheless, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers have found some form and it will take the Devils best to win the match.
WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V BEULAH
Top of the table Walpeup Underbool will be celebrating their Thirty Year reunion with a match of the day against second placed Beulah at Underbool on Saturday. A big crown will be in attendance and the celebrations should go well into the night after a good home win by the Roos.
The Roos are still winning without once playing a full line up this season. This week Chris Chubb is hopeful of pulling on a Roo’s jumper for the first time and David Piasente is also a chance of returning. Before he had time out with an injury, Piasente was in outstanding form.
There will be several important match ups on Saturday including Chris Lynch or even newcomer Chris Chubb on David King up forward for Beulah. Scott Smith always seems to fire against the Roos; maybe Tim Vallance will get the job of running with him.
The Roos will have to start a lot better than they did against the Lakers last week or Beulah will take full advantage. Even so, this Walpeup Underbool side is all class and should be too strong for the Blues in what should be a great day of celebration for the Roos.
Last Modified on 06/06/2012 22:22
