Bloods raise pressure in AVSL

SOUTH Bendigo will up the pressure in this Saturday’s return of Athletics Victoria Shield League field and track action at the Retreat Road complex in Flora Hill.

The Bloods are fifth in division two and will use their powerplay to double the premiership points they earn.

After the latest round of AVSL on 17 December, South Bendigo was on 43 points in a race led by Mentone 65, Wendouree 64, Nunawading 61 and Mornington 48.

Of the top four, Wendouree is yet to employ the powerplay.

After 10 rounds of AVSL the top five in each division qualify for the play-offs and the rest fight to avoid relegation.

South Bendigo is being pursued by Keilor St Bernards 39, Ballarat Harriers 32 and Bendigo Harriers 29 to claim a top-five berth.

Several members of South Bendigo have earned a place in the top 100 of AVSL’s Most Valuable Athlete award.

Key members of the Bloods line-up include 10th placed Kai Norton on 8776 points, Joan Self in 35th with 7462, 88th ranked Carol Coad on 6389 and Emma Berg on 6262 points in 99th.

Bendigo Harriers are yet to use the powerplay and will be determined to put in another big performance to decrease the gap to the Bloods.

Leading points-scorers for the Harriers are Geoff Shaw on 7257, Neil Shaw with 6844, Peter Clarke has 6711, and Josh Evans 6536.

In Premier division, Eaglehawk is third on 63 points in a race led by Diamond Valley on 76, and Essendon on 64.

The Essendon Bombers are yet to use the powerplay in a competition that includes Western Athletics, Glenhuntly, Box Hill, Doncaster, Collingwood, Wyndham, and Chiwell.

Nine members of the Hawks’ squad are in the MVA’s top 100.

A second-year competitor with the Borough, Cameron Smith has scored 9215 points to be in second place.

Bendigo University is sixth in division five on 52 points and will be doing all it can to keep the heat on South Coast, Deakin, and Richmond.

Saturday’s action at Bendigo’s home of athletics starts at 1.30pm when the sprint hurdles are run.