Two games in Shepparton this Saturday and none the next week-end – this shows just how hard it is to knock out a draw that pleases everyone – please spare a thought regarding the formatting of a footy draw and also for the programming of the finals system. Unless you have actually had a go at either then please do not beso critical. A BIG pat on the back to Euroa F.C. President Scott WATSON who has had a go at preparing a drawfor next year. ‘Nuff of the negative stuff!! The days are getting longer and warmer, trees are beginning to blossom, the grounds are in great nick and 11 of our clubs will probably play in the finals.

Saturday August 11^th   Round 5 at Mooroopna, the Murray Bombers knocked the Cats off by a solitary point with straight kicking, 18.5.113 to 16.16.112 - Nick JACKSON kicked 4, Hugh EVANS and Rhys ARCHARD 3 each for Echuca, James MARKS slotted 6 for the Cats with Mark BLAKE probably receiving the 3 Morrison medal votes – Echuca had a 44 point win over Benalla last week while the Cats doubled Shepparton’s score 21.20.146 to 11.7.73. Echuca will be desperate to keep their finals hopes alive whereas the Cats will want to keep either a top two or the valued 3^rd rung of the ladder. At Victoria Park with Alistair EVANS, Axel CHILDS, Matt FARRELLY, Prenda, Scooter, Rhys and Matty POLLOCK and the rest of the gang, Echuca are the selected winners.

Shepparton host the Magpies from Euroa who may well be minus Brad CUNNINGHAM who had an appointment at the Tribunal on Thursday night after last week’s 3 point loss to the Swans after being up at ¾ time.   Shepp only kicked 3 goals after half time against Mooroopna which is disappointing. The Bears should start favourites to win this clash with skipper Rhys O’SULLIVAN in terrific form and receiving consistent support from Luke ELDRIDGE, Daniel McINTYRE, Nicka, Will PATONE and Mark RYAN. We hear that Euroa coach David GLEESON was very disappointed with the apparent lack of discipline resulting in numerous 50 m penalties which more than likely cost the Maggies the four points. At Deakin, the Bears to maul the Magpies.

At Princess Park, the Shepparton Swans host Shepparton United in what could be a Demon of a hiding handed out to the Swans by United who bounced back so very well v Ky after their loss to Tatura. Of importance to the Dee’s was the excellent game by the young big fella Chris DOWN in just his fourth senior game with the Demons and howsabout Tim LOOBY’s 10 goals? The Swans will be sweating leading up to Thursday night to learn the fate of Josh WELLINGTON and Lewis O’SULLIVAN who were both reported for striking Brad CUNNINGHAM last Saturday. For the Swans to be any chance they will need their very best side on the park and then for those 21 players to be at their absolute best.   The Demons by plenty!