EFL Media’s Tim Fitzsimons previews all the weekend’s action in Division 1…
BAYSWATER (12TH, 1-15) v BLACKBURN (6TH, 10-6)
Blackburn must take care of Bayswater on the road this week if they are to ensure they stick in the finals race heading into the last round.
The Burners were back on the winners’ list last week after three straight defeats, leading at every change against Montrose to win by 46 points.
In front of a healthy crowd following the International Cup game between USA and PNG, Blackburn were too good for Montrose and despite missing some very gettable chances, especially in the first half, they were able to come away comfortable winners.
Jake Hammond was lively in attack and the dangerous forward kicked four goals for the day, highlighting the importance for Bayswater’s defence to be switched on from the outset this week.
The Waters are playing for pride in the final two games of the season, with relegation back down to division 2 all but locked in.
It was another loss last week, going down to North Ringwood by 29 points at home.
They will be hoping for a couple of improved performances in the last couple of game starting this week against Blackburn to give their new coach something to work with heading into season 2018.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND FIVE
BLACKBURN 14.15.99 def. BAYSWATER 12.13.85
It was a gallant effort from Bayswater, however Blackburn did enough to record a 14-point victory at Morton Park.
Heath O’Farrell and Matthew Tuminello lead the way for the winners while Hayden Schroeder was lively for Bayswater with four majors.
NORTH RINGWOOD (8TH, 6-10) v NOBLE PARK (4TH, 10-6)
Noble Park will be full of confidence heading into this clash with North Ringwood having upset Balwyn on the road last week, winning by 37 points.
The Bulls win ensured they remained inside the top five and this game against North Ringwood is a must win with a tough encounter with Vermont looming in the final round next week.
Pilling on 20 goals, Noble Park’s attack was in full force and if they are to repeat the effort of last week, North Ringwood’s defence will have it’s work cut out for them.
The Saints enjoyed a 29-point victory over Bayswater last week, their first since round 12.
Although finals are out of the question, they will be hoping to continue on from their winning form and an even spread of goal kickers over the past two weeks has been pleasing after the solo effort up forward from Charlie Haley against Doncaster in round 14.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND FIVE
NOBLE PARK 12.13.85 def. NORTH RINGWOOD 8.4.52
Strong performances from Cosimo Anagnostou and Shayne Allan helped Noble Park come away with a comfortable win at home.
Sam Banfield was a shining light for North Ringwood in the loss kicking three goals.
MONTROSE (11TH, 3-13) v NORWOOD (7TH, 8-8)
The faint finals light at Norwood still flickers after knocking off the previously undefeated Vermont last week.
Matt Aver was on song in the win, helping himself to five goals in a result that has kept Norwood’s season alive.
They are currently one of the form sides of the competition and if they keep winning and one of the three sides on 10 wins drops both of their games, a remarkable late run will result in a finals birth.
It may seem like a long shot but it’s definitely not out of the question as we have seen some remarkable results so far this season
The end of the season cannot come quick enough for Montrose, having lost nine games on the trot including last week’s 46-point loss to Blackburn.
In what was a huge day for the club, the Demons sloppy skills let them down for the majority of the game and were unable to seriously challenge the Burners apart from a strong 15-minute burst in the second quarter.
LAST TIME THEY MEY:
ROUND FIVE
NORWOOD 13.7.85 def. MONTROSE 7.10.50
12 goals to four after quarter time meant Norwood were able to get the chocolates back in round five.
There was no stopping Leigh Williams as he slotted home five majors in the win.
Jackson McDonald and Nick Kane lead the resistance for Montrose.
EAST RINGWOOD (9TH, 6-10) v BALWYN (5TH, 10-6)
Balwyn must return to the winners’ list this week against East Ringwood in order to regain some form and hold onto a spot inside the top five.
It was a disappointing showing from the Tigers last week, going down by 37 points to Noble Park at home.
Rubbing salt into the wounds, Kris Pendlebury going down with a leg injury is a major loss for the back to back reining champions and losing the star defender makes the job that little bit harder.
East Ringwood’s good run of form came to a holt last weekend, suffering a 64-point loss to Doncaster.
The Roos were no match for an in form Sharks outfit and despite the best efforts of Darcy Powell and James Belo, they were soundly beaten from the get go.
Their final two games will also be a massive challenge, starting this week against Balwyn before a final round clash with Norwood.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND FIVE
BALWYN 19.11.125 def. EAST RINGWOOD 3.10.28
It was all Balwyn on a bleak day for East Ringwood with the Tigers piling on 13 goals to none after half time.
Jeffery Gobbels booted five goals, Luke Barker contributed four as well and Rennie Gilchrist was on fire throughout for Balwyn.
DONCASTER (2ND, 11-5) v ROWVILLE (10TH, 5-11)
The Doncaster juggernaut continues to impress and a big win over East Ringwood last week shot the Sharks up into second place.
It was a dominant display from the most in form side of the competition with Chris Annakis starring with five goals.
They are now in prime position for the double chance and if they continue to show the form of the past seven weeks, Rowville will have it’s work cut out for them come Saturday.
However, the Hawks won’t be intimidated by their impressive run having knocked off South Croydon at home last Saturday.
In a disappointing season, the win was without a doubt one of the highlights of the year for Rowville with an outstanding nine-goal to two first half setting up the victory.
It will be a bigger test this week on the road for the Hawks and with a clash with Bayswater ahead of them in the last round, it is important they refrain from losing some of their late season momentum.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND FIVE
ROWVILLE 10.12.72 def. by DONCASTER 15.7.97
Doncaster was too strong back in round five as they came away from Seebeck Oval 25-point winners.
Jake Kalanj and Josh Lumicisi slotted home four goals apiece while Lachlan McDonald was impressive for Rowville with five of his own.
VERMONT (1st, 15-1) v SOUTH CROYDON (3rd, 11-5)
A massive clash looms at Vermont in the final game of the round with the top of the table Eagles taking on South Croydon.
Vermont’s undefeated run in 2017 came to an end last week, falling to Norwood at home by 24 points.
It was the Eagles first loss since last year’s grand final and although they cannot be moved from first position, it will definitely give the coaching staff something to work on in the lead up to finals.
South Croydon has dropped off of late, losing its past two games including a very disappointing defeat at the hands of 10th placed Rowville.
The Dogs were blown out of the water early and couldn’t recover from the 46-point half time deficit and despite a third quarter come back that reduced the lead to 11, they were unable to finish the job, ultimately going down by 22 points.
Falling back into the pool of finals contenders, South Croydon must regain its best form if they are to cement a finals spot and make an impact in September.
LAST TIME THEY MET:
ROUND FIVE
SOUTH CROYDEN 10.19.79 def. by VERMONT 17.17.119
An inaccurate first half from South Croydon hurt their chances of an upset victory with Vermont running away 40-point winners.
Jake Best proved to be a handful for the South Croydon defence, booting seven goals for the Eagles while Dan King worked hard for the Dogs in defeat.
