Competition continues to hot up in North Gippsland Football with the race on at the half way mark of the season for top five spots come finals.
The race is wide open after mixed results in round nine, which saw bottom place Cowwarr tumble Gormandale, reigning premiers Churchill halt Woodside’s winning streak and Rosedale move into the five with a 44 point defeat of Stratford.
Heyfield’s comprehensive win over TTU bolstered their percentage to 150.59 which moved the Kangaroos into top spot on the ladder standings, ahead of Woodside who have occupied the top of the table for the past two weeks. While Boisdale and Churchill are chapping at their heals, the four sides locked together on six wins.
Rosedale bounced back from consecutive losses to stay in contention along with TTU, while Gormandale and Sale City’s chances of a finals berth are quickly slipping from their grasp.
With the season reaching the halfway point, BOISDALE coach Andrew Gieschen knows how important this Saturday’s game is to his side’s hopes of securing a coveted top three finish and the double chance for what’s going to be a hotly contested finals series.
“Were aiming for a top three finish, we have to keep winning to ensure that we get the double chance,” he said.
“Cowwarr will be a tough game, were not expecting it to be an easy clash. Teams have seen each week that if you’re not ready to go week to week that sides will punish you.
“We can’t afford to be complacent against any side. We haven’t lost on the road this year and are hoping to keep that run in tact.
“We can’t complain with how we are traveling, were going along quiet well and have had a number return from injury. We still have the Forsyth’s brothers Matt and Lee to return, but wont be rushing them back.
“We want to peak at the right time of year, and get guys back from injury as we are peaking.”
COWWARR for the third week running stood tall, claiming their second win in their past three matches.
The young Saints continue to impress and will be tested this week against the high flying Bombers who will be aiming to stay in contact with the front runners.
STRATFORD will host the red hot Cougars who inflicted Woodside’s second defeat of the season by less then a kick.
CHURCHILL is a new joint premiership favorite, after the Cougars made the biggest statement to date in their premiership defence with a two point victory over the Wildcats at Woodside last Saturday.
In their present form the Cougars will be too strong for the Swans.
Ladder leaders HEYFIELD will return home to host ROSEDALE.
Both sides came away with the points on the weekend inflicting convincing wins against their opposition.
The Kangaroos season continues to gain momentum, while the Blues season has been one of mixed fortunes.
Rosedale have impressed in past weeks, the navy blue dominating in a number of quarters before breaking through for their second win of the month.
A win over a fellow final aspirant would bolster Rosedale’s morale. The Blues have pushed Woodside and Churchill in past weeks, but have only claimed the points on one occasion against a fellow top five side Boisdale in the opening round.
A strong four quarter team effort will be required by the Blues to topple the more fancied Kangaroos.
Early season bolters SALE CITY has been made light work of in past weeks.
The Dogs clash against Boisdale looked destined to continue in the same frame, until the home side emerged from half time to outscore the Bombers for the half.
Round 10 sees the Dogs host the Magpies who like their opponent started the season promisingly.
It is going to be a long road back for GLENGARRY. But the message from Magpies coach Matt Adams to his side is ‘that they are only two wins outside the five’.
After a blistering start to the season with two wins, Glengarry has come up against stiffer opposition in the last month the Magpies brought crashing back down to earth.
After a stellar season last year in which the Magpies won 13 games and contested the preliminary final. The Magpies were aiming high in their preparation for their 2009 campaign but changes to the sides list and injuries have played havoc.
“We have had 20 guys out injured half of those are senior players, Josh King has been out for five weeks and we have missed his presence on the ball,” said Adams.
“Changes to the list and injuries can be blamed for out drop in form, but we have been playing bad footy. We have shown the last couple of weeks against Churchill and Boisdale that we can match it with the top sides when we get things right.
“Our skills have dropped off, were turning the ball over and our pressure has been lacking.
“We have lacked options in front of goals, Rob Cahill and Trevor May have been in great form for us and have stepped up in past weeks and kicked a few.
“But we need to turn it around this week I’m not sure how we are going to do that.”
Adams isn't paying any attention to ladder position at the moment, however, opting for improvement and the points on Saturday.
“We need to get a win to boost morale, it is hard to be where we are now considering our success last year. To get a win would boost the boy’s confidence especially amongst the young blokes who are lacking belief in themselves,” he said.
GORMANDALE comes up against an inconsistent TTU on Saturday which will be an opportunity to realise where the team really sits.
The two sides fought out a classic three point thriller last season, and in their current form the stage is set for another tight contest.
Gormandale’s home ground advantage may prove to be advantageous come the final siren.
WOODSIDE has the BYE.
Last Modified on 03/06/2009 08:23