by Jim Gordon
OUYEN UNITED V JEPARIT RAINBOW
Jeparit Rainbow face a tough assignment against Ouyen United at Blackburn Park this week. Away from home the Lakers have not had much success against the Demons in recent years, and this match will once again test them out as United are coming off an outstanding come from behind win against Hopetoun last week whereas Jeparit Rainbow fell away badly against Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
Ouyen United will be without injured Kale Barker this week, Troy Moncur hasn’t played in weeks and Dean Jardine did not play against the Devils. Moncur is a huge loss as the Demons have fallen away in the forward half this year; Dom Leach looked more comfortable when he went from attack to defence after half time last week. Against Hopetoun, they scored their goals mainly through running players in Alex Morrish and Peter Caldow, Bradley Summerhayes was another who was dangerous around the goals.
The Lakers rely heavily on Ash Clugston, Justin Chilver, Sean Bayzand, Andre Watson and Aaron Beer. It was good to see Ben Marra return to form last week and he was another who played well in the midfield. The most positive aspect of the last two weeks has been the form of the teams two youngest players. Nathan Cocks has had a good year playing on the wing, while Tom Clugston has shown good signs at half forward. On another bright note for the Lakers, Adam Schumann is a chance to return this week.
Despite the losses of the last few weeks, the mood around the Jeparit Rainbow club is still positive. The team is doing a lot right, they just need to keep their intensity up for four quarters. In the last three games, they have played good football for a half then dropped off badly in the third quarter. They won’t be able to do this against an Ouyen United side that scored 12 goals to three against Hopetoun after half time last week.
Ouyen United look too strong for Jeparit Rainbow at home. Their best players are in good form, John Jackson was everywhere last week, Ryan O’Callaghan never wastes a possession and can kick goals and Glenn Joyce was on fire after half time last week.
SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V BEULAH
In the match of the day, second placed Beulah travel to Sea Lake to take on a fourth placed Tigers team brimming with confidence after a good win at Jeparit. If they win again, the Tigers are a chance to leap frog Hopetoun and Beulah and pinch second spot on the ladder.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers put on a clinic in the second half against the Lakers after trailing by three points at half time. The Tigers kicked an amazing 19 goals to five in the second half. Coach Jarrod Arentz kicked 12, Dan McEwan at centre half forward kicked four with Scott Alderton and Billy Price grabbing three each.
Arnetz was naturally named best on the ground and he will be hard for the Blues to match up, with Andy Roberts, Scott Alderton, Luke Martin, Dan McEwan and Matt Elliott also playing well.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, they are most likely to be without the injured Jarrod Alderton and Lance Brown for a further 2-3 weeks. In what should be a great contest, Beulah still might have too much fire power for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
WOOMELANG LASCELLES V WALPEUP UNDERBOOL
Woomelang Lascelles are going to have a real battle on their hands as they come up against the undefeated Walpeup Underbool side fresh from the bye. The Cats can only hope that they strike the Roos in a casual mood after their week off, but the signs are not good for the Cats as Walpeup Underbool have managed to squeeze in a couple of players returning from injury into their already star studded line up.
David Piasente will return after missing two games and will add some class to a midfield that already boasts the heady skills of Sam McDonald and Joshua Stone. Simon Brown should play his first game since the second round, adding more pace and skill across half back and Chris Chubb is a chance to play this weekend. Chubb has been close for a few weeks now so it will be good to see him finally on the field.
On a sad note, Walpeup Underbool and the Mallee Football League have lost a great supporter, worker and friend in Daryl Elliott after a long illness. Daryl was a hard working, passionate and loyal clubman who played many great games for his Club. Daryl was also a Junior Vice President of the Mallee Football League up until the end of last year. He will be greatly missed by the Mallee football community and we pass on condolences to his family.
Last Modified on 20/06/2012 18:12
