Buninyong backed for big win

Ballan v Buninyong
UNFORTUNATELY for Blues fans it doesn’t get any easier this week with Buninyong next up. After a 106-point loss to the second place Cats last weekend, the third placed Bombers are in top notch form at the moment and will also be looking to inflict a big loss this weekend. Prediction – Buninyong by 100 points.

Clunes v Newlyn
The Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank Seniors Central Highland Football League’s leading goalkicker, Marcus Darmody was one of three players to kick the magical bag of ten goals this past weekend as his season tally rockets up to 56 for the year. The spearhead is averaging an astonishing seven goals a game in his first year in Cat colours and will be looking to kick his third bag of ten plus this weekend against the struggling Magpies. Prediction – Newlyn… another Darmody bag.

Creswick v Gordon
After a breakthrough win a week prior against arch-rivals Newlyn, the Wickers came crashing back to earth this past Saturday with an embarrassing 118-point loss at the hands of Buninyong. On the flip side, Gordon was incredible in their 129-point destruction against Rokewood-Corindhap with Brendan Sutcliffe kicking 10 goals. Depending on what Creswick line-up comes to play of previous two weeks will dictate the margin in this one. Prediction – Gordon by 42 points.

Daylesford v Bungaree
The Demons missed a massive opportunity to move into the top eight last week against Learmonth but should be too strong for the struggling Bulldogs this Saturday. Bungaree have struggled to kick a winning score this season, and at this rate they don’t really deserve a place in the finals the way they have been performing. Prediction – Bungaree in an ugly one.

Hepburn v Beaufort
Match of the Round as the Burra host the reigning premiers with the Crows coming off a much-needed bye. Rohan Brown’s men have not been in the greatest of touch so far, with the side remarkably sitting outside the top eight for the first time in years. Hepburn remain in the top four but were challenged by the winless Towners last weekend, and a scare like that usually indicates the club has a loss just waiting for them around the corner, or it will act as the wakeup call they need to keep their season rolling. Prediction – Beaufort, in a ‘mini’ upset.

Learmonth v Springbank
The Tigers and particularly, former North Ballarat Roosters’ premiership player, William Driscoll, are in really good touch at the moment and will get another four points against the Lakies. Driscoll kicked seven goals in his sides demolition of the Magpies and will be the key in Springbank holding their place in the top eight. Prediction – Springbank by 30 points.

Rokewood-Corindhap vs. Dunnstown
Did the Towner’s peak a little early? That’s the question on everyone’s lips with a solid outing against Hepburn last week, and can they repeat the dose this weekend and get on the winners list for the first time this year. The Hoppers are horribly out of form with their impressive start to the season a distant memory and it is hard to see them really beating anyone in the competition at this point. Prediction – Dunnstown to get win number one of the year.

Carngham-Linton vs. Skipton
Only a year or two ago this match-up would have been regarded a battle of the two weaker sides of the competition. However, what reality is now that Skipton have emerged as a serious dark horse to go all way. If result fall their way, the Emu’s can move into the top four and the big victory that is forecast, could make even pundits believe in the Emu even more. Prediction – Skipton by ten goals.