Warwick will be looking to end a two game losing streak when they face the South Toowoomba Bombers at Rockville Oval. After a five straight win start to the Allied Pickford’s season, Warwick has struggled against two of the heavy-weights in the last fortnight.
Their opponents South Toowoomba are coming off an impressive 46-point victory over Goondiwindi at Riddles Oval and will be eager to play their first game at home, after a long month on the road facing Chinchilla, South Burnett and Goondiwindi.
Two key match ups will decide this match; Cutmore Vs. Walters in the ruck dual and a battle of the young-guns Tate Vs. Myles.
Newly appointed Warwick Captain, Alex Cutmore is in prolific form in 2013 and is no doubt the in form ruck-man of the competition. Cutmore will however have to be mindful of young Bomber Lachlan Walters who has also been in terrific form. It will come down to who can be the most damaging ruck, going forward.
Another key-match up will be a battle of rising stars, the Redback’s Tim Tate who will no doubt go head to head with South’s rising star Tasman Myles. Both teenagers have played pivotal roles to date for their sides either as followers or defensive runners. Tate and Myles play a similar role; both have an uncanny ability to break open games and no doubt will feature later in the year when votes are read out. Hopefully for the spectators alone these two go head to head.
Tip: South Toowoomba by 13-24
Another crucial game will be when the sixth placed Goondiwindi Hawks host premiership favourites Coolaroo at Riddles Oval. Hawks were in and out of last week’s game and with the inclusion of David O’Toole and if they can put in a consistent four quarter effort, they will trouble the Roos.
Coolaroo haven’t dropped a game in season 2013 and that is largely due to the input from full-forward Miels Grice and permit player Phil Driese. Grice has been in terrific form in front of the big sticks so far kicking 44 majors in 6 games which includes bags of 15 (South Burnett Round 1) and 12 (Highfields Round 6). Goondiwindi will need to stop Grice’s influence and stop the smooth running and silky skilled Driese if they are to get the 4 premiership points.
No doubt Coach Jardine has a few tricks up his sleeve but will be hoping that ruckman Troy Millard has more of an impact in the ruck this week to give classy on-ballers Jeremy Leahy and Cam Thomas more opportunity.
Tip: Coolaroo by 25-36
The second place University Cougars will be looking to continue their good start to the season when they face the youthful Dalby Swans at Baker Street. University are one of, if not the fittest team in the competition and proved that last week with an impressive 9 goal last quarter against the Redbacks. The Cougars were only up by 8 points at the final change but ran out 18.11 (119) to 7.10 victors keeping their opponents scoreless in the last term.
Dalby will be fresh after a weekend off with the Swans hosting the Under 15 School Boy State Championships and Coach Rockliff will be looking to knock off the second placed Cougars. The Swannies pushed first place Coolaroo in their last game, going down by 7 points. Milford, Easton and Banks will need to continue their good form for Dalby but the Swans will need to stop the impact of Uni’s Chris Davis, Ash Harley and Luke Brumley if they are any chance of stopping the Cougars.
Tip: University by 13-24
A win to either Highfields or Chinchilla will see one side definitely avoid the dreaded ‘Wooden Spoon’. Both sides are coming off disappointing showings in Round 7 and will be looking to bounce back and record their second win of the year.
Watts and Stackleberg are the two key men for the Lions, with Clinton Watts giving the young Lions first usage in the ruck and Stackleberg a key target up forward. The new-boys on the block Chinchilla will need to keep a close eye on Ben Stackleberg who proved a handful for Coolaroo, who is coming off an impressive bag of 6. Chinchilla on the other hand have their own strike weapons in James Kratzmann and Joel Forgan; both were impressive against the reigning Premiers Tigers last round. Forgan was best on ground for the Suns in their loss to the premiers and will create headaches for Highfields.
Tip: Highfields by 1-13
Three-time premiers the Toowoomba Tigers will hit the road this week when they march north to face the South Burnett Saints at Lyle Vidler. The Saints will be fresh and ready to face the premiers on their home turf and no doubt Coach Humbler will make sure his boys are fired up.
Tigers Co-Captain Nick Talbot and former Under 18 DD Crows premiership captain Steve Harbort have been in superb form and South Burnett will definitely need to stop both these players if they are a chance of an upset. Harbort is coming off a bag of 8, while Talbot is prime user for the Tigers. South Burnett will be hoping Brennan and Totton can continue their good form as both are keys to Saints success.
Tip: Toowoomba by 61+
Photo: Courtesy of WARWICK REDBACKS AFC
Last Modified on 14/06/2013 14:35
