There are only 6 home and away games to go for most teams in season 2013, but there is still plenty of interest to see who will continue to participate into September. The top 3 teams in Echuca United, Mulwala and Finley are guaranteed finals action, but the remaining 3 spots are up for grabs.
Cobram have a favourable run home and should remain in the 6. But Deni Rams, Numurkah, Congupna and Moama are all battling it out for the remaining 2 places. Today we have somewhat of a rivalry round with a number of neighbouring teams and long-time rivals clashing. The Finley v Deni Rams game shapes as the match of the round, while Echuca United v Moama is also important in the context of the season.
Finley v Deniliquin
Finley host Deni Rams in a really important game for both teams. The Cats need the 4 points in their bid to grab the crucial double chance. While the Rams position in the top 6 is under some threat, especially over the next 3 weeks with games against Finley, Echuca United and a bye. When they met in round 1 the Cats were successful by 8 goals and will look to their strong midfield brigade in Tim Robertson, Ryan Bongetti, Kamen Ogilvie, Ollie Ford, Paul Massingham and Matt Jackson to repeat that performance. While Dane Maxwell, Reid Crowe and Tom Doyle will also be important players in the Cats bid for victory. The Rams will be without Nick Howe for the clash and will need big games from 2 of their key players in Ash Morris and Blair Whelan. Ruckman Anthony Bull will give his all along with Justin Barker, Brayden Hall and Justin Barker. At home I expect the Cats to be too good on the final siren.
Echuca United v Moama
Another big clash takes place between 2 cross border rivals in Echuca United v Moama. These clashes are always hard fought games of footy and today should be no different. The Eagles easily accounted for Moama in round 1 with a 12 goal victory. They should be successful again today with Scott Beattie, Farran and Rowan Priest and Brynn Webb-Barnes winning plenty of the footy in the midfield and giving their forwards in Guy Campbell, Duane Hueston and Cam Parker plenty of opportunities. While key defender Ryan Prendergast holds the defence together. For Moama they need big games from forwards Tyler Jones and Jake Kilmartin, while Josh Maddox, Daniel Thorp, Ben Welch and David Ismail battle hard against the Eagles big name midfield.
At home the Eagles should again be comfortable victors.
Barooga v Cobram
Another 2 cross border rivals in Barooga and Cobram clash at Barooga. The Hawks have had a very unsuccessful season to date, winning their first game for the season last round against Tocumwal. It is hard to see them troubling Cobram, but they could be competitive if Ben Robbins, Matt Hendry, Michael Barca, Chase Saunders and James Hazelman can have big games. The Tigers have had some injury concerns of late but should still have too much class through the midfield in Tom Crapp, Matt Hyde, Tom Thorson, Will Patone and Adam Svarc to see them safely home.
Congupna v Tocumwal
Congupna take on Tocumwal in a must win game for the Road. They suffered a disappointing loss to Nathalia last round and must regroup and remain disciplined at the footy today. The will miss Daniel Bowles through suspension, but Kaine Greening, Mitch Sidebottom and Luke and Paul Kenelley should see them take the points. Tocumwal threw everything at Barooga last round in their bid for a victory but just came up short. A similar effort today would be pleasing for their coaching staff and supporters. Dalton Sanderson continues to show his class and veterans David Farrell, Kenny Chellew and Scott Baldwin continue to battle hard. They do have players capable of causing an upset on their day in Daniel Carey, Matt Neill, Aaron Findlay, Nathan Tresize and Brad Perkins. However, at home the Road should bounce back with a solid victory.
Tongala v Nathalia
Tongala take on Nathalia in front of the Blues 1983 and 1984 Premiership reunion players. Tonny have been somewhat inconsistent this season but smashed the Purples easily in Round 1. A lot has changed since then and Tonny go into the clash without key players Jordan Souter, Jarrad Martin and Adam and James Lovison, while leading goal kicker Matt Andrews would also be in some doubt with a hamstring injury. Tonny will need goals from forwards Andrew Reid, Luke McGill and Tom Donell if they are to get over the line. While Dave Newman, Jimmy Cullum and Daniel Cox will want to get on top in the midfield. The Purples have struck some form in recent weeks with Brodie Ross, Jason Limbrick, Ben Hichcock and Alistair Corry all proving dangerous up forward and Matt Davies, Adam Hickey, Mal Barnes and Sean Tenace winning plenty of the footy. At home in front of their reunion crowd Tongala will be pumped up and may just get over the line in a close one.
Rumbalara v Mulwala
Rumbalara face a massive task when they take on Mulwala at home. Rumba have also had their share of injuries this season, but Eric Edwards has been in good touch with 46 goals for the season. He is receiving good support from Levi Power, Rex Taylor, Ryan Hudson and Ash Miller. The Lions should have too much firepower up forward in Chase Strawhorn, Anthony Giuliano and Kyle Archibald. While Sean Robinson, Michael Duiker and Nick O’Bryan will win plenty of the footy around the ground. The Lions should have a comfortable victory on the final siren.
Numurkah Bye
Selections – Finley, Echuca United, Cobram, Congupna, Tongala, Mulwala.
