Lots at stake in Shield finale

THERE’S plenty at stake in Saturday’s finale to Athletics Victoria Shield League field and track action.

Eaglehawk leads the race for the premier division title by just four points after Diamond Valley won last Saturday’s round and gained the maximum points through the PowerPlay.

The Hawks and Diamonds are on 88 and 84 points at one round to play.

South Bendigo, Bendigo Harriers, Echuca Moama and Bendigo University will all be keen to move up a rung or two on the ladder.

The Bloods were in great form at the country championships at Lar Birpa, but scored just two points in the ninth round of AVSL action.

It’s a great duel to earn promotion from division five.

Brunswick racked up a top score of 7946 and gained maximum points of 24 in the latest round.

A score of 103 has Brunswick leading division five from Echuca Moama on 90.

Saturday’s action at Athletics Bendigo Region’s home at Lar Birpa in Flora Hill’s Retreat Road starts at 1pm when the first flight of hammer is thrown.

After striking gold in their respective divisions of hammer at the country titles, Eaglehawk’s Olivia and Craig Graham will be keen to land big throws again.

Key members of the Hawks squad include Catherine Monahan, April Wainwright, Imogen Brown, Daniel and Dave Chisholm, Terry Hicks, Cooper Richardson and Alyssa Beaton.

South Bendigo’s line-up includes Emma Orme, Rhys Hansen, Oliver Muggleton, Jordyn Lewis, Jasper Seymour, Kai Norton, Lucy Jones and Joan Self.

Leading scorer for Harriers in round nine was Jenna Gaskell.

Saturday’s track action starts with distance hurdles at 1.30pm and will be followed by 1500m walk, 200m, 800m and 4 x 200m relay.

Non-scoring events will be 100m and 3000m or 5000m.

Field disciplines will be hammer, discus, high jump and long jump.