Covid-hit Sainters welcome back host of players

RETURNING to Division 1 pennant in 2022 has been a tricky one for St Leonards.

The previously undefeated Division 1 ladder leader lost half its playing roster last week, with the club only able to field two of its four divisions.

“Adversity brings the chance to triumph,” St Leonards’ Barry Culph said.

It was not the week to lose the bulk of its side when it fronted up to reigning premier Torquay.

But, fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Covid-affected club.

“Last week we managed to get four points, which at the end of the day was a great result,” Culph said.

“We have a lot of players that have been given the opportunity to show what they are capable of. That’s the positive.”

The Sainters will welcome back five players to their top side ahead of their away match at Leopold.

Highton 2 took full advantage of its premiership rival’s misfortune last week by taking top spot on the ladder.

Unaffected thus far by Covid, Highton 2 smashed Ocean Grove 3 at home by 65 shots in their first encounter of the new year.

“Fortunately we have not been affected at Division 1 level with any players out so far,” Highton’s Chris Hodges said. “(But) we know nothing can be taken for granted at the moment.”

Highton 2 will expect a tougher test this week, however, when it travels to the coast for the blockbuster grand final rematch against Torquay 1, with Hodges confident his side has the right blend to take into the “special rivalry” starting to develop between the two sides.

While that clash is undoubtedly the match of the round, Ocean Grove 2 is also gaining some momentum.

With three wins on the trot, the Grovers head to City of

Geelong hoping to keep their run going with a healthy line up of players.

However, Ocean Grove 3 needs to find some form after last week’s demolishing at the hands of Highton 2, and will look to bounce back when it plays host to Geelong Cement.

Portarlington is fresh from victory and rounds out the weekend’s matches when it meets Clifton Springs, who will be buoyed after notching its first win of the campaign last week.