A look ahead to Round 5 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Round 4 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football saw four clear favourites all win – but with their opponents showing some resistance.
To illustrate that point, not one team scored triple figures. Compare that to the 187 points scored by South Morang in the previous round.
St Mary’s ventured to Laurimar Reserve to take on Laurimar. The Power led for the opening half and were still within a kick at the last break, but the Burra managed a 19-point victory and maintained their unbeaten run.
Myles Guldon and Jordan Dupont both followed up their three majors from the previous week with another three apiece. Bryce Kotas continued to impress for Laurimar – as did Hurstbridge import William Ratje. Jacson Cecil and Elliot Pyke each scored three majors.
“We were competitive for longer periods today and I was super happy with the effort the boys put up,” Laurimar coach Justin Sherman said. “We just have to stick to our plan for long enough and we will be fine.”
Kilmore rebounded from its first defeat with a 21-point win over Lalor at Lalor Reserve. The Blues made their move with a five-goal to two third term. Marcus Webb slotted four goals.
It was a positive for the Blues to get back on the winners’ list straight away and when on the road for the second week running. Despite losing, the Bloods were immeasurably better on the day than the previous week against South Morang.
“It was pleasing to see the group put a much better performance with effort and commitment,” Lalor coach Dean Grainger said.
Reservoir came off its bye to host South Morang at Crispe Park. The Lions made it three on the trot with a 52-point win over the Mustangs.
Reservoir stayed within touching distance for most of the game until a 6.7 to 3.2 final term sewed it up for South Morang. Sixteen-year-old Blake Fitzgerald booted two for the victors. The Mustangs were well served by Sam Williams, Paul Cluney and defender Sam McDowell.
“Our forward entries let us down,” Reservoir coach Aaron Collins lamented.
South Morang has the bye this week before hosting Heidelberg West at Mill Park Lakes Reserve in Round 6.
Heidelberg West was coming off a 100-point plus defeat against Panton Hill when hosting Mernda at Heidelberg Park.
The Hawks rallied after a poor first term to lead at the main break. The Demons had to dig in to regain the lead, then fight tooth and nail to grind out their eventual 10-point win.
The results leave St Mary’s a game clear on top of the ladder from South Morang, Mernda and Kilmore. Panton Hill sits a game behind in fifth place, but with a game in hand compared to all the top-four teams.
Round 5 action is highlighted by the late start 4.10pm game between Panton Hill and St Mary’s at A.E. Cracknell Reserve. They have not met since 2013.
The result will help shape the top-four. The Redbacks will draw level with South Morang if they win, albeit behind on percentage. And that result could also put the Burra’s top spot in jeopardy.
Panton Hill lost at home to Mernda by 83 points in the opening round, then beat Heidelberg West by 109 points in Round 3. Those two opponents fought out a close one last weekend.
Clearly, the Redbacks best form makes them a very dangerous opponent and Laurimar showed that St Mary’s is beatable.
Laurimar will be looking to open its account with the long road trip to Kilmore at J.J. Clancy Reserve. The Power lost their only match at this venue by 40 points last year.
The Blues will be favoured to win, but it is interesting to note that Laurimar lost by a narrower margin to St Mary’s than Kilmore over the past two weeks.
Mernda will be looking to make it three wins in a row when it hosts Lalor at Waterview Recreation Reserve. If they win, the Demons will be in the top-two.
The Bloods will be looking to build on their improved showing last weekend against their old Division 2 foe.
Heidelberg West has back to back home games when Reservoir journeys to Heidelberg Park for this clash. One of these teams will open their account for the season.
Given that the Hawks had aspirations of playing finals, this is a must-win game for them on their home deck.
