by Jim Gordon
BEULAH V WOOMELANG LASCELLES
The last time these two sides met, the Blues won by over 150 pts. Not only was the margin huge at the end, but Beulah kicked nine goals eight behinds to nil in the first quarter … and that was away from home. There is little to suggest that the result won’t be a similar blow out this time around, even though the Cats have shown a lot more spirit and determination since that debacle.
This Beulah side is has been in very good form all year and they will be aware of the fact that they will need a good hit out before facing an inform Ouyen United next week in the second semi.
Beulah have too much goal kicking fire power up forward for a Woomelang Lascelles side that has struggled in defence this season. Jarrod Combe, Adam Carter, Darcy Shannon, Riley Lehmann and Jake Percy can all kick goals. The Beulah defence led by Tim Hill and Brad Shannon has hardly put a foot wrong all season.
The Cats will rely on Tony Mudge, Josh Templeton, Trent and Joel Donnan to keep them in the game for at least part of the match. Luke Symes played well last week and coach Daniel Quinn gives his all.
This match will probably turn out to be very one sided. The loyal Cats are keen and positive, but this will not be enough against flag favourites Beulah.
HOPETOUN V OUYEN UNITED
Facing up to the Ouyen United Demons, before they play in the first semi against Jeparit Rainbow, will be another big test for the Devils. They haven’t got close to Ouyen United all year, maybe it will happen this week. Hoeptoun are going to have to be on their game because the Demons have been in scintillating form lately, they relish a challenge and with players back after injury, there will be fierce competition for limited places in the finals side.
Nevertheless Hopetoun have had some good wins lately. Marcus and Clinton Burdett have been winning first use of ball out of centre, Bryce Wellington is a good target up forward and Dan Young is expected to be back after a bout of the flu.
Ouyen United look like they will be welcoming back Kieran O’Shannessy, Ash Connick, Marc Hahnel and Brett Knowles for the final match of the home and away season. Corey Gregg was brilliant in his return game against the Tigers and Sonny Lindsay is kicking goals.
The bad news for the Devils is that Coleman Schache is out as he is required for TAC duties and the in-form Zac Taggert in doubt due to injury.
The Hopetoun defence will have to be very solid once again if they hope to shut down Sonny Lindsey and Ash Connick. Wayne Grace, Peter Caldow, Ryan O’Callaghan and Rob Miller can all kick goals and the Demon defence is tight and mean.
The Demons should win this game to set up a mouth watering second semi against the Beulah Blues next week.
JEPARIT RAINBOW V SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS
Unable to defend their 2009 title, this will be the final game for the Tigers this year. A reasonable start to the season quickly went downhill when injuries to key players made it difficult for the Tigers to settle down.
On the other hand the Lakers are champing at the bit to have a go at Hopetoun in the first week of finals. They will be all out looking for another win to keep their confidence up.
The second half of the season has been a chance for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers to try out some of their younger players and a lot of them were able to get quality game time giving the club something positive for next season.
Brian Harrison was unavailable last week for the Lakers, but he will return to strengthen a forward line already performing with Ben Zanker, Peter Weir and Adam Roll all kicking goals. Jeparit Rainbow onballers Ashley and Heath Clugston, Corey Waldron and Tyler Edelsten will give the forwards lots of opportunities.
Justin Chilver will be tested in the ruck against Tiger Luke Martin who has been the most consistent Sea Lake Nandaly Tiger since permanently moving into the ruck after midyear.
Laker Simon Clugston has slotted in well at centre half back, Dean Schumann had a good game in the backline last week where he used his experience to read the play well as a loose man in defence.
The Tigers are very keen to upset the finals preparation of the Lakers and with the possible return of assistant coach Darcy Ryan and coach Joe Summerhayes for the game, winning is a distinct possibility.
Liam Barry’s form of late has been excellent and Taylor Hannig is getting the big jobs down back and will enjoy another challenge possibly taking on Zanker or Weir this week.
Col Durie is likely to finish off his stellar season in style and Nathan Wight and Ryan Dowdy will be hoping again to combine in front of goal and kick a winning score. Grunt players Mark Roberts and John Fosskit will look to compete at the stoppages and get it out to the young running Tigers around them.
The Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers could give the Lakers a fright early, but with too much to lose this close to the finals, Jeparit Rainbow should win this match.
Last Modified on 18/08/2010 21:18