Depth set to come into play in heavyweight showdown
A PAIR of flag favourites will square off at St Leonards in the return to pennant in Division 1.
The Saints are firming as flag favourites and will go into the battle against last year’s premier Torquay somewhat undermanned with several players spending some time at home.
“We hold Torquay in the highest regard and a victory over them would be a massive confidence booster,” St Leonards’ Barry Culph said.
There has not been much activity of late at the club with facilities closed due to the shortage of staff, however, Culph believes when his side steps out to play it will be all go.
“We will be ready to play, you can be assured those selected will have a red-hot go,” he said.
As with all clubs, Torquay has had its battles with availability but will rely on its depth.
“We will approach the game the same as every other week, we have blooded a few players through our second side and together with the regular experienced players we know we can match it with the benchmark side,” skipper Joe Issell said.
Leopold may have surprised a few teams to date to sit fourth after six games. Claiming the match points away from home will be the key to making the top four and for Leopold this week that task will be at Ocean Grove.
Ocean Grove 2 has included skipper Luke Benson who is returning to the line-up as well as Gary Brookes for his first Saturday pennant game for his new club.
Ocean Grove 2 returned home with points in its last outing against Torquay and will be hoping to replicate that effort.
Bottom-placed Clifton Springs welcomes Geelong Cement (seventh) for round 7 as it continues to search for its first win, while in other matches, Portarlington hosts City of Geelong while second-placed Highton 2 will battle it out against Ocean Grove 3.