LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER’S second bye of the 2016 Heathcote District Football Netball League season comes at an idea time for the club, with a fourth consecutive finals series on the horizon.
Sitting on top of the ladder thanks to 12 consecutive wins, the Bombers’ one-victory gap will disappear tomorrow if North Bendigo defeats seventh-placed White Hills.
Matt Hawken’s men hold a 12 per cent advantage over the reigning premiers, which will be eradicated if the Bulldogs defeat the Demons by 150 points tomorrow.
The scenario sets up an intriguing battle for the minor premiership and the opening weekend off during the finals, with the Bombers hosting eighth-placed Heathcote and North Bendigo travelling to take on sixth-placed Mount Pleasant on July 30.
If both sides win their round 17 matches, the Bombers will need to only match the Bulldog’s round 18 result to claim top spot on the ladder.
The ball will be in Leitchville/Gunbower’s court, with the side travelling to fifth-placed Elmore on August 6, whilst the Bulldogs host third-placed Huntly.
However, if a surprise loss occurs during rounds 17 or 18, Leitchville/Gunbower will play Huntly in the qualifying final on August 13.
