A look ahead to Round 8 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
In perfect conditions on a warm May Saturday, the Round 7 results have left two wins between first and seventh place on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder.
South Morang recorded an impressive 17-point win against Panton Hill at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. It was a perfect forerunner to the club’s function that night with Michael Voss as the guest speaker.
The Lions avoided back-to-back home losses with the upset 14.13 (97) to 12.8 (80) win and climbed above the Refbacks into third spot on the ladder in the process.
“With two of our best backmen and our starting midfield out with some long-term injuries today, the effort of the young boys coming into the side was fantastic,” South Morang coach Gary Hall said after the game. “It is very encouraging going forward.”
Bailey Brown has hit a purple patch of form for the Lions and James Hewson booted four goals in the win. Mitch Anderson continues to shine for the Redbacks, while Bailin Searle played his best game for the year.
Reservoir led at the last break before being overrun by second-placed Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve. 16 of the 17 goals for the day were kicked at the one end of the ground.
David McGregor made a welcome return for the Mustangs and finished with four majors. Anthony Talbot continues to impress for the Demons, while swingman Josh Delaney finished with three goals.
Mernda had to wait two weeks to atone for their big loss to St Mary’s in Round 6 and now have another fortnight’s break before they face Kilmore at J.J. Clancy Reserve on June 16.
Laurimar completed a trio of wins with a 154-point drubbing of Lalor at Laurimar Park. After beginning the season at 0-3, the Power now sit in fifth spot on the ladder and their fans will be thinking that the finals are within reach.
Dallas King booted ten for the victors, while Brett McDonald justified his promotion from the reserves by contributing well. Josh Williamson booted four goals in his return to the side.
Hayden Pham was promoted from the reserves for the Bloods and did extremely well. He was the shining light in a tough afternoon for his club.
In a similar vein to Laurimar, Heidelberg West made it three on the trot with a hard-fought nine-point win over Kilmore at J.J. Clancy Reserve. A left foot banana kick goal worthy of the highlights reel by Hawk Matt Reinke sealed the win.
Heidelberg West remains in seventh after the win but is now level on wins with Kilmore and Laurimar – and just one game outside of the top-four.
Round 8 is highlighted by the clash of in-form teams Heidelberg West and Laurimar at Heidelberg Park.
The winner will be knocking on the door of the top four – or perhaps in the four – depending on other results. Finals seemed a long way off when each team was 0-3, but both have produced performances in recent weeks which are worthy of finals aspirants.
The Power are yet to defeat the Hawks in two attempts, but their recent momentum will have them entering the match full of confident in a difficult one for the tipsters.
Another match which will help shape the top-half of the ladder is the clash between Panton Hill and Kilmore at A.E. Cracknell Reserve.
In a critical contest between last start losers, the Redbacks are likely to start favourites. The fact that Kilmore have never played at the venue will be a positive for the home team. However, the Blues can draw level with the Redbacks on the ladder with an upset win.
St Mary’s comes off the double bye to host Reservoir at Whatmough Park.
So long as they on their game, the Burra would be highly favoured to win in the top versus bottom match-up.
The top team would like to use this game to strengthen its grip on the double-chance come finals – although the Mustangs showed last week they are improving.
Lalor will be at home to South Morang at Lalor Reserve to finish off the round. The previous meeting of these teams resulted in a 149-point win to the Lions at their home ground.
And although the Bloods will be highly motivated to improve on that result, particularly in front of a big crowd with its 1990s premiership sides reuniting, it will be very tough for them to pull off the upset.
With Mernda having the bye, South Morang will claim second place if it can win – a spot few would have expected them to reach given team changes prior to the season’s start.
