CLASH OF THE TITANS
Highton, Parkers to face off in grand final rematch
EASTERN Park versus Highton. Second versus third.
The grand final rematch between two competition powerhouses both fresh from a victory.
What more can one ask for ahead of round 8 Premier Division action?
Highton currently occupies third position on the table with only two narrow losses in the first seven matches but coach Dan Priddle says his side is yet to hit its straps and is looking forward to the challenge the Parkers present.
“It’s been a bit of a slow burn for us so far, we believe our best is yet to come,” the premiership coach said.
“Eastern Park have shown great form, we expect them to be at their best again this week.”
The Parkers will be bolstered for the trip to Highton by the return of skipper Glenn Slattery and third Mark Senjov, who both missed last week’s win against Belmont.
Another inclusion into the side last week was Eastern Park cult hero Stephen “Digger” Ryan. Ryan tried his luck in Metropolitan pennant but clearly got homesick before returning prior to Christmas.
“(They) are big ins for us. Senjov and Slattery have been great for us so far this season. Highton are another good test for us,” Eastern Park’s Adam Martin said.
Ocean Grove kept its unblemished start to the season intact last week with a win at Queenscliff. The ladder leader will look to keep its run going when it returns home this week to face eighth-placed Bell Post Hill who is searching for its first win since defeating Drysdale back in round 4.
The prodigal son of Lara returned to the greens last week for his first game of the season.
John O’Donnell made an immediate impact in his comeback match by taking down Bareena champion Ben Wilding by 31 shots.
This week Lara hosts City of Geelong, who is coming off a round 7 win on Friday night.
In other matches, Bareena is running out of chances to kick start its season and must beat Drysdale in a clash of the bottom two sides, while Belmont (seventh) welcomes fourth-place