Longwarry’s Dean Dallinger flies high to take a strong mark on Saturday. Dallinger will be a key to the Crows in this week’s clash with Ellinbank.By Ken Moore
INTEREST this week will be centred on Cora Lynn’s visit to Nyora as both teams were superimpressive last week. Despite having 15 new faces, Cora Lynn teamed like a seasoned outfit in beating Bunyip and, if it can reproduce another similar effort, it will be in this contest for a long time. The Cobras unveiled a pacy midfield in which exBeaconsfield boys Ben and David Collins and Abe Roder were shining lights.
The Cobras’ ability to find space in their forward line was superb but against Nyora they will be under far more pressure. Nyora also unveiled many new faces, including Tim Smith, who has returned to the club after playing at Korumburra, and Devon Meadows pair Brad and Glen Langley, who have added to the Saints’ depth. Nyora is still missing a number of key players but at home it should win.
Bunyip will be seething after its loss to Cora Lynn and Nar Nar Goon is likely to feel the brunt of its anger. The Bulldogs did little wrong last week, apart from poor kicking into the forward line, and have plenty room for improvement. If Bunyip’s midfield works harder when it doesn’t have the ball, and if it can minimise its turnovers, it will go places this season. The Goon, led by its youngsters, showed improvement last week and will give cheek early but it is still hard to see the Goon being a genuine threat. The Bulldogs should win by 30 points.
NilmaDarnum hosts Catani. The Blues are unlikely to take the Bombers lightly, having lost to them last season in all three senior grades. NilmaDarnum badly disappointed last week and it is difficult to see it getting the four points against Catani who will be stung by last weeks loss to Nyora. Catani appeared to be nursing a few injuries after last week match and that may provide Nilma with a bit of optimism. Catani by greater than 30 points.
Lang Lang will be out to atone for last week’s loss against Buln Buln, when it tapered off badly after quartertime. This week its task is no easier when it meets Kooweerup, which will be buoyed by last week’s dismissal of the Dusties by 100 points. With arguably the classiest midfield and no shortage of firepower, the Demons should win handsomely.
Warragul showed little last week but, back on its home ground this week, it should be a different outfit. With Luke James, who tormented the NeerimNeerim South defence last week, Poowong appeared to be an improved team. Over the years Steve Pursellcoached teams have had a habit of bouncing back but the Magpies will be buoyed by last week’s victory and should narrowly get home.
Ellinbank staved off a fastfinishing Nar Nar Goon last week, however this week it will have its work cut out when it meets Longwarry. By demolishing the Dusties the Crows sent a message to all rival clubs that they are the real deal and will be far too adept for the Bankers.
Neerim Neerim South will clash with Buln Buln for the Neerim District Community Bank Trophy this Sunday. The Cats tried valiantly last week but found Poowong a tad too good. This week they will be boosted by the likely return of Matt Cumming and Heath Strating but will lose youngster Mick Urie, who broke his wrist early in last week’s match. Buln Buln put in a good allover showing in round one and, with a good blend of experience and youth, should come away with the points.
Roundtwo fixture:
Bunyip v Nar Nar Goon
Nyora v Cora Lynn
NilmaDarnum v Catani
Lang Lang v Kooweerup
Warragul Industrials v Poowong
Ellinbank v Longwarry
NeerimNeerim South V Buln Buln (Sunday)
