THE premiership hopes of Leitchville/Gunbower’s youngest group of Heathcote District Football Netball League footballers, as well as the club’s top-flight junior netball grade, will be on the line tomorrow.
The Bombers’ under 17 footballers will take on North Bendigo in the preliminary final at Elmore for the chance to play Lockington Bamawm United in next weekend’s grand final at Huntly.
Leitchville/Gunbower kept its season alive on Sunday with a 72-point win against Mount Pleasant in the first semi-final at North Bendigo, seven days after defeating Elmore in the elimination final.
The Bulldogs – who finished the season on top of the ladder, 14 points clear of the Bombers – went down to the Cats in the second semi-final, and go into the penultimate match of the season with a 2-0 record against the defending premiers.
The Bulldogs defeated Leitchville/Gunbower by 51 points when the teams last met in late July, with the margin being 25 points the minor premiers’ way when the sides played in round seven.
Meanwhile, Leitchville/Gunbower’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive under 17 netball grand final will be tested tomorrow by defending premiers, Colbinabbin.
The Bombers – who earned a bye during the first weekend of finals matches after finishing on top of the ladder – lost to Elmore in last weekend’s second semi-final, whilst the Grasshoppers kept their season alive following a one-goal win against Mount Pleasant in the first semi-final.
Leitchville/Gunbower won by 35 goals when the teams met in round one, with the Bombers prevailing by 15 goals back in round 10.
Bulldogs set to respond
TWO-TIME defending Heathcote District Football Netball League premiers, North Bendigo go into tomorrow’s preliminary final against Huntly as strong favourites.
The Bulldogs – who lost to Leitchville/Gunbower by 10 points in last Saturday’s second semi-final – have not dropped a game to the Hawks since last year’s qualifying final.
Rob Bennett’s side won by 149 points when the teams first met this year in round two, with the Hawks responding in round 11 to go down by 14 points.
Jordan Ford will look to put in another spirited performance, one week after almost getting the Bulldogs across the line, with the North Bendigo captain set to duel with Hawks playmaker, Ryan Semmel.
Ryan Gow’s ruck battle with Huntly’s Rhett Sutton will be a highlight, whilst Bulldogs premiership player, Sam Barnes and Chris Gleeson will be key targets in their respective forward lines.
PREDICTION: North Bendigo will progress to its fourth consecutive grand final with a 20-point victory.
