Bungaree, ‘Hoppers fight to get seasons back on track

Bungaree vs. Rokewood Corindhap

TWO weeks is a long time in football as these two sides were both firmly in the top eight in the Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank Central Highlands Football League seniors. Now, they’re chasing a much-needed victory when they line up this weekend. The Demons were smashed by a fair superior Hepburn line-up last week, while the Hoppers couldn’t handle the Emus, even on their home deck. Prediction – Bungaree due to home ground advantage.

Buninyong vs. Dunnstown

SHOCKWAVES were sent through the league as Buninyong were picked apart and smashed by ten goals last weekend by Gordon. That loss squares the ledger for the Bombers in 2019. However, a game against the winless Towners couldn’t come much a better time to revive their push for bigger and better things. Prediction – Buninyong in a return to form.

Daylesford vs. Learmonth

EIGHT goals from Dylan Muscat was the story in the Bulldogs comfortable victory over Clunes last weekend. His breakout performance, along with the class of Emlyn Nettleton, is a part of the reason many pundits are once again excited to see the youth coming out of the kennel. A match-up against the Lakies this weekend shapes up as a traditional eight-point affair as a win either way could determine who grasps that final eighth spot at the end of the year. Prediction – Daylesford by under a goal.

Carngham Linton vs. Clunes

THE Saints missed a golden opportunity to grasp their first victory of the season last week after going down by the solitary point against the Blues. This week also is a winnable opportunity for them, as the Magpies are also yet to get on the board this year. It won’t be the world’s most pretty game, but definitely an exciting one for the two most struggling clubs in the competition. Prediction – Carngham Linton in a flip of the coin.

Newlyn vs. Beaufort

NO doubt match of round as third plays fourth at the Cattery this weekend. Newlyn will look to Marcus Darmody again up forward as the spearhead seeks to build on to his ridiculous start to year and goal tally of 19 goals in only three games. The Crows will be aiming to double, or even triple, team the big man and will look to likes of Levi Cox in defence to help keep him quiet. Prediction – Beaufort in one too close to call.

Skipton vs. Creswick

A BATTLE between eight and nine and once again another cracking game in the comp. The Wickers were comprehensively beaten by ladder leaders Waubra last weekend and it will be interesting to see how much that has affected the side’s psyche. Prediction – Skipton to move into the top eight.

Springbank vs. Hepburn

FLAG favourite tags are already reappearing for the Burra as a trip to Springbank this weekend provides another test that they are set to overcome. The Tigers were gallant in defeat last week against the reigning premiers, but the toll of some tough and close games in recent weeks could be too much for them to bare. Prediction – Hepburn to make a statement.

Waubra vs. Ballan

ANOTHER week and another best on ground performance for James Lukich. The Kangaroos remain on top of the ladder after winning by, yes, 150-points this past weekend. Ballan scrapped home against the bottom placed Saints and it’s scary to think what could happen to them if the ‘Roos are ready to dish out another shellacking. Prediction – Waubra by a lot.