Hawks fly high in race for premiership

WITH just two rounds to go, Eaglehawk is in a strong position to be number one club in this season’s premier division of Athletics Victoria Shield League field and track action.

Round nine begins with Friday’s twilight meet at Lar Birpa, home of Athletics Bendigo in Flora Hill’s Retreat Road at 6pm.

A highlight will be the Ern Hammer Memorial 3000-metre footrace at 7.45pm.

The meet follows last weekend’s Victoria Country field and track championships at Lar Birpa.

Eaglehawk’s depth of talent, consistency and versatility have been key factors in being on or near the top of the ladder across eight rounds.

The Hawks have scored 80 points to be leading metropolitan powers Diamond Valley (64) and Essendon (52) going into final rounds.

The Diamonds and Bombers are yet to use their PowerPlay in which clubs double their points from their nominated round.

Maximum score in premier division is 20 points.

South Bendigo starts this round on 39 points and is sixth on the premier ladder.

In division three, Bendigo Harriers is sixth on 38 points and well clear of the relegation zone.

A closely-fought duel for the division five title is led by Echuca Moama on 84 points from Brunswick (79) and Deakin (68).

The Echuca Moama squad has used its PowerPlay, but Brunswick and Deakin have not.

Bendigo University is seventh on the ladder on 42 points.

The schedule for Friday’s meet in Bendigo is sprint hurdles at 6pm followed by the 1500 metres or 3000-metre walk, 100 metres, 1500 metres, 4 x 400-metres relay, Ern Hammer Memorial 3000 metres, and the 400 metres.

Shot put, javelin, triple jump and pole vault will be contested from 6pm.

The 10th and final round in this season’s Shield League showdown will be on 8 February from 1.30pm.

Another feature event on the Athletics Bendigo calendar is the five-kilometre Frenzy, in which the Jack Davey trophy will be up for grabs in the men’s and women’s open races.

Commonwealth Games distance runner Jack Davey is likely to be trackside at the Frenzy.