A look ahead to Round 7 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
After this weekend, every team will have played each opponent once. This is a good time to assess the progress of each side.
There was a top-four spot available for those who missed the finals in 2019. Heidelberg West heads this group with a 5-1 record and sitting in second spot.
The finalists from 2019 – South Morang, Kilmore, and Laurimar – fill the other three places in the top four, with the Lions atop the ladder as the only undefeated side after six rounds.
Old Eltham Collegians sits in fifth spot, a game and percentage behind fourth, but the Turtles are two games clear of Lalor and Mernda.
Round 6 was played in wintry conditions, with all results going according to ladder positions. However, the margin in the game between Lalor and Heidelberg West at Lalor Reserve came as a surprise to many.
The Hawks had just beaten highly fancied Laurimar the week prior, while the Bloods had been soundly defeated by South Morang.
Heidelberg West had the breeze in the third term and a handy lead, but Lalor kicked the final three goals to grab a one-point lead at the last break.
The Hawks kicked the first three into the wind in the final quarter and then withstood a late challenge by the Bloods to record a seven-point win.
“Full credit to Lalor for getting large numbers around the contest in wet, slippery conditions,” Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen said.
“But these are the sorts of games we lost in 2019, so I was happy that our guys scrapped it out and got the win.”
Masaki Miki was best for the Hawks and capped off his game with two majors.
It was frustration for the Bloods, who were looking to claim a top-four scalp but suffered a second seven-points loss at home.
“Devastated to lose, but we’re pretty close,” Lalor coach Gary Cutler said.
Sam Rexhepi booted four goals to move to equal second on the goal-kicking ladder, while Lachie Evans assumed ruck duties in the absence of Hirsi Twomey. He impressed going head-to-head with Jarryd Coulson.
The heavyweight clash between South Morang and Laurimar at Mill Park Lakes Reserve lived up to its billing. A kick or less split the teams at each quarter break.
The Power led by two points at the last change and booted the first goal against the breeze. After missing a chance to go further in front, the Lions then slammed on the last four majors to win by 19 points.
“We were competitive for three quarters, but got overrun in the last term,” Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins said.
Despite the loss leaving them two games and percentage behind South Morang, Power fans would have left the game feeling that they are a chance next time they meet. Laurimar had injury troubles on the day and were without Josh Williamson and Jake Richards.
Kilmore notched its first road win this season with a 30-point victory over Mernda at Waterview Recreation Reserve.
A determined Demons outfit was excellent early into the wind. They trailed narrowly at the first break but missed opportunities and probably should have led.
But the Blues gradually got on top with Chris Barton in outstanding form. Coaches MVP leader Chris Ryall played as a permanent forward and finished with five majors.
“It was good to get the away win ticked off. Now we look forward to the test against Old Eltham Collegians,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said.
On a day not suited for forwards, Mernda’s William Crouch slotted five majors after starting in defence. Demons captain Edward Mills got plenty of touches in a praiseworthy performance.
The late match featured Old Eltham Collegians playing a home game against Reservoir at Yarrambat War Memorial Park.
After a tight and goalless first quarter, the Turtles broke the game open in the second term with six goals.
Clay Crimmins at half back played his best game so far in his first year at the Turtles.
“Happy to get four points. Now our focus is on Kilmore and it’s a big opportunity for our club to make ourselves known,” Old Eltham Collegians coach Matthew Sleeman said.
Pleasing for Mustangs fans was to see their team in the game with a solid first term and then playing it out well in the final stanza.
“When we play to our strengths, we can match other teams for periods of the game,” Reservoir coach Jason Hamilton said.
Hamilton was happy with the work of Jordan Crowhurst, Nathan King and Angus Hunter.
South Morang hosts Heidelberg West at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. It is the second time in as many weeks the Lions are in a top-two game, after the Hawks grabbed second spot with last week’s narrow win.
After taking care of Laurimar two weeks ago, the Hawks are gunning for another 2019 finalist. But it would be seen as an upset if they could topple the unbeaten South Morang.
The last tussle at this ground between these teams was a high-scoring shootout and the Hawks came from 20 points down at the last change to win a thriller by five points.
Jack Marris booted five for Heidelberg West that day, while Alex Colaidis kicked four for the Lions.
Another entertaining game is anticipated on a day where pleasant sunny conditions are expected.
Old Eltham Collegians heads north to J.J. Clancy Reserve to take on Kilmore. A bottom-four team has yet to beat a top-four side this season, but the Turtles look the team most likely to eventually break that trend.
It looms as an interesting contest as both teams seem to have gained momentum recently. Kilmore has won three on the trot and Old Eltham Collegians have notched three victories in the past four weeks.
At their only other trip to Kilmore, the Turtles lost by 39 points in 2019 in a match where Jaxson Kinnear and Chris Ryall combined to kick seven for the Blues.
This game will be covered by OKR 98.3 FM, Mitchell Community Radio.
A win will be sweet for either team when Reservoir hosts Mernda at Crispe Park in Round 7. The Demons are looking to snap a five-game losing streak against the winless Mustangs.
Although Mernda is the traveling team and only one win ahead of Reservoir, they will be warm favourites to get back on the winning list. If so, they can look to build momentum with two home games following leading up to the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
The Demons won their last encounter at this ground by 45 points in 2019.
Lalor travels to Laurimar Park to take on Laurimar. Given that the Power challenged the league leaders strongly last week, they will be heavily favoured to win.
But the Bloods pushed Heidelberg West to the limit last week and, if they carry that form into the game, they will give themselves a chance of causing an upset.
The head-to-head was 2-0 in favour of the Power in 2019 with Jacson Cecil featuring prominently in both games. If Cecil is unavailable following an injury last week, Laurimar fans will be hoping Josh Williamson will be good to go for this game.
