A look at the Round 3 matches in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Banyule and Mernda sit atop the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder after two rounds, while South Morang remains the only other unbeaten side.
In Round 2, Reservoir travelled to Waterview Recreation Reserve for the first time to play Mernda and began the best – leading by 14 points at the first break after kicking with the wind.
From then on, Mernda moved into top gear with a 7.3 to 0.1 second term to take control of the game – eventually winning by 87 points.
David Hutchinson booted nine goals to move atop the goal-kicking table on 12 majors. Up the other end, Kent Beaumont, back at Reservoir after playing for the Preston Bullants last year, made use of fewer opportunities to score five goals for the Mustangs.
Heidelberg West journeyed to J.J. Clancy Reserve to take on Kilmore in what was tipped to be a relatively close game. The Hawks’ sole win in 2016 came against the Blues at Heidelberg Park, but were soundly beaten in both trips to Kilmore.
The Hawks made amends in emphatic style this time – jumping out of the blocks with a six-goal to one first term and going on with the job to record a 70-point win. The start was in contrast to the previous week when they were jumped early by Mernda.
“The goals of the players this year were to get fitter, play consistent footy, win some games and earn respect,” coach Gary Cutler said. Based on this win, they look like they are on track to achieve their aims.
South Morang fans would be hoping their side can go one better than its preliminary finals exits over the past three seasons. The Lions – who had the Round 1 bye – hosted Laurimar and recorded a 91-point win – with recruit Raafat Rachrache booting six majors.
Alex Colaidis kicked three for South Morang and had a hand in some others after playing for Hadfield last season. Under-19 eligible player Ben Power was outstanding off half-back.
“It was a good day for the club. Three big wins and we are looking forward to the challenges in front of us week to week,” South Morang coach Dean Grainger said.
For the Power, Stephen Tsonas, Peter Shepherd and Lance Whitnall each booted two goals.
Banyule retained top spot on the ladder with a 14-point win over Epping at R. J. Brockwell Oval. The Blues slowed to a walk late in their Round 1 victory over St Mary’s and continued on where they left off – finding themselves 35 points down at the first break.
Epping’s third term effort – matching Banyule’s two goals against the breeze – helped it to have a sniff at the last change. But the lead proved to be too big and the Bears were able to hold on.
The Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 teams have all enjoyed the week off over Easter before Round 3 commences on April 22, although Reservoir has the bye.
St Mary’s comes off the Round 2 bye when it hosts Banyule at Whatmough Park. Their last contest at the venue resulted in a 10-goal win for the Burra, but this look like being a much closer tussle.
Both teams have played competitive games against Epping this season – although these games both had significant momentum swings. The team to capitalise when they have the run of play should get the four points.
Laurimar will be looking for its first win in the competition when it travels to Heidelberg Park for the first time to encounter Heidelberg West.
The Hawks should be confident after recording a big win at Kilmore and are likely to be favoured by the tipsters.
Kilmore hosts Mernda at J.J. Clancy Reserve. Mernda’s only visit to Kilmore last year resulted in a thriller, with the Demons securing a five-point win.
Mernda will be favoured to keep its unbeaten run going, while a win by the Blues will put them in reach of the top four.
Two rivals meet when Epping and South Morang clash at Epping Recreation Reserve. The Lions’ last trip to the ground resulted in a 12-point win in Round 17 which helped put them into the finals.
The biggest margin in their three 2016 clashes was 14 points, so a close game is anticipated.
South Morang may start the narrowest of favourites as it attempts to keep its perfect 2017 record intact. The Blues can move into the top four with a victory and a big crowd is expected to be in attendance.
