Home Towners take on bruised Bombers

Dunnstown v Buninyong

BACK-to-back best on ground performances by Will Henderson in defence was enough for the Towners to see off Newlyn in a scrappy affair in round five of the Central Highlands Football League. The Bombers on the flipside gave up a half time lead against premiership favourites Gordon, who had ex-AFL footballer James Kelly put on a second half show to see them be the eventual 40-point victors. Giant killer status is something fans of the Towners are starting to become accustom too, however the genuine leg speed for the Bombers might be just too quick of a giant to catch.

Prediction: Buninyong in a tight one.

Ballan v Waubra

After recording their first victory of the season many expect the Blues to crash back to reality as they host the reigning premiers Waubra. Dylan Wright was the star of the show for Ballan with a six-goal bag enough to put away bottom placed Carngham Linton. The Roos got back on the winner’s list with a 32-point victory over Creswick and to no one’s surprise Lincoln Barnes was at the forefront of the victory. Expect the inform midfielder to have another big day at the office in this one.

Prediction: Waubra comfortably.

Beaufort v Newlyn

Two horribly out of form teams go to battle as the Crows host the struggling Cats. Beaufort was simply outplayed by a silky Springbank last weekend whereas Newlyn fell victim to Dunnstown in a low scoring blustering affair. The Cats without superboot Marcus Darmody don’t look like a top eight outfit and will like to the youth of Fraser Hay and Lachlan Snaith to sneak home in this one.

Prediction: Newlyn by 18 points.

Clunes v Carngham Linton

The fairy-tale undefeated run may be over for the Magpies but their full story is still to be written. Leading by 23-points at three quarter time to Daylesford, a seven goal to zero final term by the Bulldogs broke the hearts of Clunes fans. Nevertheless a return to home against the bottom placed Saints should see them return to their winning ways.

Prediction: Clunes get back on the winner’s list.

Creswick v Skipton

It is an important clash as the twelfth placed Wickers host the tenth placed Emus in a game that is an old fashion eight pointer to help decide who sneaks in the top eight at season’s end. Creswick trailed by three points at final break against the reigning premiers, only for the stiff breeze out of Waubra see the Roos home. For the Emus a big upset over the previously undefeated Rokewood-Corindhap was highlight with return of Andrew Pitson who booted five goals.

Prediction: Skipton by a couple of goals.

Hepburn v Springbank

Not overly convincing but the Burra got the job done over strugglingly Bungaree with the ever-dangerous McKay brothers, Andy, Mitch and Brad good enough to drag their beloved Hepburn across the line. The Tigers made it two wins in a row with victory over Beaufort as Chris Quinlan dominated with three goals from the midfield. Pundits may favour the Tigers in the upset but the Burra have been the benchmark for 20 years, and at home they are almost unbeatable.

Prediction: Hepburn by 12 points.

Learmonth v Daylesford

MATCH of the round as the Lakies come off the bye to host a Bulldogs outfit that have found a way to sneak into the top eight. The Doggies stormed home to end Clunes undefeated start to season with Scott Hughes seven majors seeing them home. Learmonth were defeated ironically by Clunes last time out and will be looking to the experience of Brenton Powell in the midfield in this one.

Prediction: Learmonth in an upset.

Rokewood-Corindhap v Bungaree

Honourable losses seem to be going out of fashion in football but there is no other way to describe Bungaree going to down to Hepburn last weekend. The Demons took it up to one of the powerhouses and will be hoping to bring the same level of tenacity when they take on the Hoppers this weekend. Rokewood will fancy their chances to bounce back onto the winners list off the back of ruckman Hamish Everett, who has been terrific since making the switch from Sebastopol in the Ballarat league.

Prediction: Rokewood-Corindhap by 30 points.