By David Nagel
TOORADIN will need to quickly push aside the disappointment of last week’s heartbreaking loss to Pakenham when it plays host to ladder leader Kooweerup in the Premier Division match of the day this Saturday.
Despite losing last week, the Seagulls still hold onto fourth place on the ladder, and have their destiny in their own hands despite a tough run home. It doesn’t get any tougher than facing the Demons at the moment who are setting a hot pace since the Christmas break.
Koowee demoralised another bowling attack last week, courtesy of a brutal Michael Giles century, but if any team has the weapons to bring down the Demons batting line-up, it has to be the Seagulls.
Blonde-bomber Lukas Hoogenboom has now fully recovered from his early season injuries, and bowled quick and with fire in the belly against the Lions. Callum O’Hare is in great form with both bat and ball, and also sends down the red cherry quicker than most.
The Seagulls really missed Steve Hamill last week, and if he makes a return from a leg injury he could be the Seagull who flies under the radar with the focus on his bigger name team mates.
Big Hoogy bowled a good line last week and will need to do that early against the Demons. Giles and Chris O’Hara will relish the ball coming onto the bat, but if it’s directed well, at that pace, any batsman will be troubled.
The most impressive thing about the Seagulls is the way they gel as a unit; they never stopped talking even through the tough times last week with big names Hoogenboom and Tom Hussey leading the way.
Kooweerup dealt with the Seagulls easily in round four, and that game highlighted the Demons’ strength to a tee, depth and belief. Hamill had cut a swathe through the Demons top order to have them 4/42, but skipper Travis Canavan with 97 was the one to put his hand up on that occasion. Who it might be this week is anyone’s guess.
The Seagulls’ gun, Hussey, was unlucky to be run-out against the Demons in that round four clash and was purring along nicely before it took place. A failure last week will have him hungry for a big score and a chance to prove himself against a genuine contender.
Despite sitting atop the ladder, the Demons need to be careful where they finish at season’s end. A loss here and a next round blockbuster against Cardinia could open the door for Pakenham to challenge for a top two position in their last round encounter. The Demons know from first hand experience how important a role positions can play if the March weather turns ugly.
Kooweerup were awesome last week, and it’s so hard to tip against them in any match but Tooradin are coming off a fantastic contest and will be keen to make amends. Brad Sauer looked in ominous touch last week, so we’ll go for the Seagulls in a boilover.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:BEAConsfield V PAKenham
EXPECT a run-feast at Perc Allison Reserve this week when sixth-placed Beaconsfield opens its doors to third-placed Pakenham.
Both teams have talented bowlers at their disposal, but none have done justice to that talent this season. Tiger Troy McDermott will be the leading wicket taker to take to the field this week with a grand total of 12.
Beaconsfield has done a pretty good job of playing catch-up in recent times and enters this match in good form. Its only loss in distant memory was a hard-fought loss to Kooweerup in round nine, but it needs a win against the Lions this week or Tooradin in its next match to really get back in the firing line.
Jason Dodd’s transformation from leading wicket taker to batting all-rounder has camouflaged some top order deficiencies for the Tigers, but he’s doing it on such a consistent basis that it might not be a problem. Jordy Andrews has been crucial with his runs, while skipper Justin Stanton must be due for a long stay at the crease.
Pakenham need to consolidate after a season-defining win over Tooradin. The last time the Lions had a big win it backed it up by making 85 when chasing 130, so it needs to narrow the gap between its best and worst.
Skipper Mick Torney was looking dangerous against Tooradin before holing out, and if he can hit form and make some hard-hitting run, the Lions could be a real threat come finals time.
Torney will have the Lions right on song for this one and they’ll get up.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:UPPER BEACONSFIELD V PUT
UPPER Beaconsfield will be out to stop a three-game losing streak when it welcomes Pakenham Upper-Toomuc to Stoney Creek Road this week.
The Maroons are coming off a tough run where they failed to match it with both Cardinia and Kooweerup, but they now enter a softer part of the draw that they need to capitalise on. Last week, its top seven batsmen all got starts, but none went on. Chris Pentland was almost there with 42, but he just didn’t cut it against the Demons.
The Yabbies were never going to win last week against Cardinia, but its performance with the bat was more than acceptable. Chris Smith continued his heroics and not for the first time this season he received solid support from Jamie Somers.
The Yabbies are the only team at the moment with nothing to play for except pride. Finals are no longer a possibility, and unless Officer can pull off an upset it looks safe in Premier Division for next year. With no fear of failure, the visitors could be a dangerous proposition.
On form you’d have to say the Yabbies are a massive chance of causing an upset, but the Maroons are dropping from a Group One to a Class One this week and have a lot more to play for.
It might get tight, but the Maroons will have their first win in four starts.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:CARDINIA V OFFICER
CARDINIA’s formidable batting line-up has taken time to hit top form so it won’t be easing up when the Bulls roll out the red carpet for bottom-placed Officer this week.
The Bulls were phenomenal last week, racking up 3/273 in just 40 overs and it’s that sort of fire-power the Bullants don’t possess. All the big names were at it, Barfuss, Cooper, Diwell and Darose took Pat Nolen along for the ride in an ominous warning to its fellow flag aspirants.
On paper this one looks like a one-sided contest, but the Bulls will be wary after Officer frightened the life out of it in round four. On that occasion, Ollie Brown was running riot before a stunning collapse stopped the Bullants in its tracks. The Bulls then lost 5/14 in a collapse of its own, before Mark Andolfatto saved the day.
Despite its predicament, Officer are showing signs of fight in recent times. Club stalwart Kable Dowsett made a successful return last week, and Brett Reid has returned after an overseas trip. There’s some real dyed-in-the-wool Bullant spirit in those two who have the white flag well and truly tucked away, out of sight.
Spirit is an admirable quality, but it won’t be enough to get the visitors over the line against Cardinia.
The Bulls will win comfortably.
