A look ahead to this weekend’s Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 matches.
There were big winners and losers in Round 10 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Laurimar made it back-to-back wins over top-four teams by following up its Round 9 win over South Morang with an impressive 15-point win against Panton Hill in its first ever trip to A.E. Cracknell Reserve.
The Power trailed by 18 points at the last change, but stormed home with a five-goal to nil last term to win by 15-points.
“Our group found a way to get the win,” Laurimar coach Justin Sherman said. “The ability to run out the game the way we did was pleasing. It was a character-defining win for us.”
The win moves the Power to fifth and just a game behind the fourth-placed Redbacks – who now have the Round 11 bye.
Taking advantage of Panton Hill’s loss, Mernda moved into second spot on the ladder with a comfortable 44-point win over Heidelberg West at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
The Demons are a game clear of both South Morang and Panton Hill, but with an inferior percentage. It makes for a fascinating run home to see which teams grab the double chance.
South Morang moved from fourth to third and strengthened its grip on fifth-consecutive finals berth with a go to whoa win by 36 points over Kilmore at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
“Things are starting to turn for the better,” South Morang coach Gary Hall said. The match saw the return of Tye Hall for the first time since an injury in Round 2. Daniel Caruso booted five for the victors.
A fifth-straight loss relegated the Blues’ finals chances to mathematical only – being three games outside the top-four now.
“The effort was there,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said. “But we needed to execute the game plan better and minimise turnovers.”
St Mary’s hosted Lalor at Whatmough Park. The Burra looked to be on target for a huge win with a 50-point lead at the main break. But the Bloods toughed it out thereafter – losing the second half by only eight points.
The 58-point win by St Mary’s sees it a game and percentage ahead of Mernda. The Burra now look well placed to claim the double chance for the first time in club history.
Round 11 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 is highlighted by the clash between Laurimar and Mernda at Laurimar Reserve.
The Power is aiming for its third-straight win against a top-four team. A win would have Laurimar level on wins with fourth-placed Panton Hill.
The teams last met in Round 3 at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The Power lost by 31 points and sat at 0-3, but are now genuine finals aspirants having lost only once since.
There is plenty on the line for the Demons as well. Depending on other results, they could be equal top with a win or drop to third if they lose.
Heidelberg West will look to keep its slim finals hopes alive when it travels to Lalor Reserve to take on Lalor. It is the first meeting of these teams in 2018 and a win would put the Hawks just a game outside the four.
But the Bloods were quite competitive last week and would give themselves a chance to record their first win since the opening round if they can replicate last week’s effort.
Reservoir comes off the bye to host Kilmore at Crispe Park. While finals action looks out of reach for both clubs, there will be plenty of pride on the line in this contest.
Their previous meeting in Round 2 at J.J. Clancy Reserve saw the Blues win by 49 points.
As finals approach, the Mustangs will be keen to ensure their reserves team – currently fourth – qualifies for the finals to provide a much-needed boost for the club.
The round is concluded with a huge match between South Morang and St Mary’s at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
The Lions have dual motives in trying to win this game – to consolidate their spot in the top-four and to aim for the double chance.
But the task is a difficult one – with the Burra’s only loss being in Round 5 against Panton Hill at A.E. Cracknell Reserve. Since then, St Mary’s has won four on the trot and all by over 50 points.
The last tussle between these teams resulted in a win to the Lions by four points in the last home and away game in 2017. Another thriller is a possibility.
