Footy action back on Newbridge’s turf

AFTER a stretch of nine consecutive away games, Newbridge is back on home turf when the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL senior footy season resumes this Saturday.

The Maroons will be aiming to mark a victorious return to Holloway Air Riverside Oval where Newbridge takes on Calivil United.

Flood damage meant Newbridge’s ground was off-limits in the opening half of the season.

The Maroons have a one and seven record and take on a Demons line-up which sits two and six and in sixth place on the ladder.

It’s a must-win for Calivil United to keep the heat on the fifth-placed Bridgewater.

The Demons scored a 67-49 win against Newbridge in round one.

Another big match on Saturday will be at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve where Bears-Lagoon Serpentine tackles Inglewood.

It’s third against fourth.

The Bears are a win clear of the Blues, but more than 10 per cent behind as the teams fight to claim a top-three berth and double chance at finals time.

The previous meeting ended in a 13-point win for BLS at Inglewood’s Dissy Machinery Oval.

Two of the Valley’s greatest rivals, Bridgewater and Mitiamo clash at Bridgewater.

A 4-4 record has Bridgewater in fifth place.

The Rick Ladson-coached Mean Machine won at Mitiamo’s John Forbes in round one by 104 points.

Unbeaten and on top of the ladder, Marong is back on home turf at Malone Park to take on Maiden Gully YCW.

The Jay McDonald-coached MGYCW Eagles will be determined to improve on their 1-128 result in the season opener.