KOONDROOK/BARHAM’S two-year run as Central Murray Football Netball League finalists will be on the line tomorrow when the Raiders travel to Woorinen.
The border side sits eighth on the ladder with five wins for the season, but a loss against the Tigers tomorrow will mean the 2016 preliminary finalists must win its remaining three games and hope results go the club’s way to sneak into the top five.
Neil Bradley’s team were restricted to four goals in last weekend’s 62-point loss to Tyntynder, with key forward, Dean Limbach held to two goals.
The Tigers find themselves in a different situation, with the club’s round 13 38-point win against the Mallee Eagles ensuring the side remained second on the ladder.
If Marcus Demaria’s team wins tomorrow, the Tigers will be all but guaranteed a qualifying final spot, at worst, but will be equal with competition leaders, Kerang – which is one of five teams having a bye this weekend – on 11 wins.
Doug Palmer will be the key player the Raiders will need to shut down, with Matt Dean – who played his 300th game for the club last weekend – best suited to the role.
Kyle Steicke will be Demaria’s best option to stop Limbach, whilst the midfield battle between the home side’s Matthew Iannucci and Alex Jokovich will be pivotal to the result.
Woorinen won by 38 points when the teams last met in round two. A similar result – and a Tyntynder victory against Tooleybuc/Manangatang – will leave the Raiders two wins off the top five with three matches to play.
PREDICTION: Woorinen will win by 40 points.
Kangas to remain in top-five race
THE Cohuna Kangas will remain one win outside the Central Murray Football Netball League top five tomorrow with a win at Lake Boga.
The Kangas’ finals hopes were dented last weekend following a 29-point loss to Nyah-Nyah West United, but the competition’s southernmost side can move equal with Swan Hill on six wins with a victory.
The Magpies pushed Swan Hill last weekend in a 14-point loss, leading for most of the second and third quarters.
This will be something Scott Beattie’s side will need to be wary of, especially following last weekend’s final term, which saw the Kangas concede the final five goals of the game.
Harrison Keely, Clayton Holmes and Beattie will be pivotal to the visitors’ hopes, with the ruck battle between Holmes and Cody Mirtschin to be a highlight.
Cliff Ryan will be just as critical for the hosts, with Jack Dehne and Keiran Treacy to unite to stop the playmaker.
The Kangas defeated Lake Boga by 44 points when the teams last met in round three. The visitors will be aiming for a similar result tomorrow.
PREDICTION: The Cohuna Kangas will win by 40 points.
Weekend off
FIVE Central Murray Football Netball League teams will have this weekend off as part of the league’s efforts to ensure all sides play 16 matches in an 18-round season.
Balranald, Kerang, Swan Hill, the Mallee Eagles and Nyah-Nyah West United will all observe a bye this weekend – the final time these teams will not take to the field in the home and away season.
Kerang cannot be dislodged from top spot on the ladder, with the Eagles and Demons to remain third and fourth respectively.
The Swans can fall from fifth to sixth if Tyntynder defeats Tooleybuc/Manangatang, whilst the ‘Roos cannot move from ninth spot on the ladder.
With Lake Boga and the Saints already observing their second byes of the season, the Cohuna Kangas, Koondrook/Barham, Tyntynder and Woorinen will all have one weekend off leading into the finals.
