By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

ROUND five of the Geelong Region Women’s Division 1 competition this weekend will be highlighted by the historic clash at the iconic GMHBA Stadium between traditional rivals and local Women’s league heavyweights Drysdale and Deakin Ducks.

PHOTO: Drysdale and Deakin will strut their stuff on the hallowed turf of GMHBA Stadium in a first for the Geelong Region Women’s Div 1 competition on Saturday

The ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for players of both teams has become a reality after the two clubs were asked to participate in the match which will serve as a curtain raiser to the very first WNPL game to be played at the city’s largest sporting stadium between Galaxy United and Bulleen Lions.

Reigning minor premiers Drysdale is currently in 3^rd spot on the table with six points, while reigning Grand Final champions Deakin aren’t too far behind in 5^th position and are currently on five points and only trailing Barwon on goal difference.

A win for Deakin would see the Duckettes climb to at least 4^th spot and - depending on other results - could potentially find themselves in the top two.

Competition leaders Bell Park will visit Barwon at Grovedale Reserve with the game kicking off at the earlier time of 1pm.

Bell Park are yet to be beaten this season and currently sit on top with two wins and two draws from their opening four matches. Barwon, who is also unbeaten and currently sits fourth, has a game in hand on the visitors and has won one and drawn two, so it looks to be an interesting encounter between the sides.

In the final game of the round, Kardinia College will host Surf Coast at Kardinia College with kick-off set down for 3:15pm.

Surf Coast has the upper hand but only just as they are on one point, having drawn one match and losing two from their opening three fixtures.

A win for Surf Coast would see them go four points clear of the bottom placed hosts. If Kardinia manages its first win of the season, however, the Students will jump into 6^th position. Kardinia currently sit last with no points.

Geelong Rangers are forced to sit out with a break this week as they have the BYE.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.