Queenscliff skipper returns for flag rematch

WHILE the lights will be shining brightly at City of Geelong tonight for the clash between Ocean Grove and Buninyong, all eyes will turn to Queenscliff tomorrow where the grand final rematch will take place.

Bareena will be aiming to continue its unbeaten run when it takes on last season’s premiers at Queenscliff.

With last season’s result still fresh in their minds, Bareena understands how important finishing the game will be.

“Last week we let a lead slip against Sebastopol, luckily we managed to hold on and win another close game,” skipper Brannon Shelton said.

“One hundred ends of full concentration is what it will take, 70-80 won’t cut the mustard against the reigning premiers.”

Bareena’s line-up will be tweaked this week with the unavailability of Jayden Plowman and Chris Holt, but Laurie Wilkie and Terry Hickey get the opportunity to be part of the side aiming to take down last year’s champion team.

Shelton said the rink draw wouldn’t play a big part in the match.

“I am sure all of our skippers have thoughts on who they would want to draw but we focus wholly on one thing — the only thing that matters is the overall scoreboard,” Shelton said.

Queenscliff welcomes back premiership skipper Luke Wayth, who returns in an otherwise unchanged side.

Currently third on the ladder and level with Sebastopol on 80 points, the 10 match points become important for the home side to stay in contention with the top two teams.

“We know what capabilities Bareena have and what intensity they can bring to the game,” Queenscliff’s Anthony Donohue said. “We are ready for the rematch and it should be a cracker.”

Eastern Park has lodged a clearance to welcome back Paul Newcombe to the club after a short stint with metro- politan side Deer Park.

Newcombe returns to the Parkers’ line-up, playing third for Nathan Bush when they host Victoria.

The Parkers will need to bounce back from last week’s disappointing finish against Lara. Sebastopol hosts Lara — which is sure to be a single-figure margin at the completion of the game.

Webbcona will be keen to bounce back from last week’s loss to Ocean Grove when they open the gates to Highton.