LEITCHVILLE/GUNBOWER will aim to retain top spot on the Heathcote District Football Netball League ladder tomorrow when the Bombers travel to take on third-placed side, Colbinabbin.
Last weekend’s win against North Bendigo, as well as Huntly’s 52-point win against the Grasshoppers, leaves the top four sides locked on seven wins each after 10 rounds.
Leitchville/Gunbower’s superior percentage means the club sits on top of the ladder with eight rounds remaining, with last season’s minor premiers – who have won their past seven games – to only face one more top four side (Huntly in round 15) after tomorrow’s game before the finals.
Colbinabbin was the last team to defeat the Bombers, with the Grasshoppers prevailing by 41 points back in round two – the club’s first victory during a seven-match winning streak that ended last weekend to the Hawks.
Tomorrow’s hosts were without Grant Weeks on that early April day, with the spearhead playing in the side’s past two games.
Hoby Bussey will get the task of stopping one of the league’s top forwards, with Ryan Prendergast to go to Grasshoppers coach, Nick Knight.
Ryan Hon will be another key forward the Bombers need to stop, with Dan Meroli, who keep Sam Barnes goalless in last weekend’s win, best suited to the role.
Keiran Treacy will help the visitors mop up the loose ball in the back third of the ground, linking up with Jackson McEwen and Daniel Coates.
Lee Pollock will take on Mitch McEvoy in the ruck, with McEvoy aiming to get the ball to fellow Colbinabbin players Cameron Hall and Russell Douglas.
Matt Perri and Tom German will aim to replicate last week’s efforts in front of goal for the Bombers, with the home side to rely on Daniel Hill and Tim O’Dwyer in defence.
The Bombers hold a 6-2 over the Grasshoppers since 2013 – a factor that will help the visitors tomorrow.
PREDICTION: Leitchville/Gunbower will win its eighth consecutive match thanks to a 20-point victory.
