Bulldogs set pace in premiership race

UNBEATEN in seven matches, North Bendigo has set the pace in the race for the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL’s senior footy premiership.

The Rob Bennett-coached Bulldogs go into this weekend’s general bye two wins clear of Mount Pleasant and Heathcote.

They may be top dogs after seven matches, but North Bendigo’s players and fans are aware there are plenty of challenges to be number one when it matters in September.

When the league’s action resumes on 17 June, North Bendigo treks to Elmore.

It will be the start of three weeks of road trips as the Bulldogs play Mount Pleasant at Toolleen on 24 June and at Lockington on 1 July.

The Dogs’ winning margins against the Blues and Cats in rounds one and two were six and 10 points.

Last season’s runner-up, Mount Pleasant is sits five and two on the year.

Jointly coached by Adam Baird and Ben Weightman, Mounts go to Lockington for the grand final rematch on 17 June.

A win away from qualifying for last year’s finals, Heathcote has capped a stunning run to be five and two and in third place on the HDFL ladder.

The Andrew Saladino-coached Saints have shown they are a serious contender for the premiership cup.

The Saints showed plenty of fight in their two losses by two points at White Hills, and by 17 at North Bendigo.

White Hills will be challenging for a top-three berth and double chance in finals.

A three and four record has reigning premier LBU in fifth place and under threat from Leitchville Gunbower which won last Saturday on Colbinabbin’s turf.