Hockey finals at Yanac
Yanac will be looking for its open, women’s and under-16 teams to gain direct passage to their respective Wimmera Hockey Association grand finals.
The club Saturday.
In open competition, feature games are between Kaniva Cobras and Dimboola Burras and Yanac Tigers and Warrack Hoops.
Kaniva and Dimboola have had similar seasons, with only one drawn game separating them after round 15.
Personnel changes have contributed to these teams having inconsistent results, so the outcome of this game will be influenced considerably by who takes to the field.
Caleb Halsall is one key player for the Burras who has contributed each week, as a solid defender and the team’s leading goal-scorer from his regular forays up the field.
The timely return of Lachlan Schulz from an overseas trip and the consistent form of Talor Dent will also boost the Burras’ chances.
The most reliable player for the Cobras has been Lachie Mills, but he will also need help from Clint Beattie and Dave Cole. hosts semi-finals this
Yanac Tigers and Warrack Hoops have met at some stage in the finals almost every season since the early 1990s.
This season the teams have played three thrilling and close games including draws in the only two games that the Tigers have not registered wins. This game could go either way.
The Tigers have many match-winners, including Bradley and Todd Alexander and Simon Farmers in the midfield and goalkeeper Craig Magrath, who has only conceded five goals in 15 games.
Hoops’ half back Cameron Bardell has impressed lately, as has centre forward Jarrod Knoop.
Women
A women’s first semi-final will be between Horsham Jets and Warrack Women and a second semi-final between Yanac Women and Dimboola Roos.
Warrack Women will be lining up for their first final since 2009, so few of their players have experienced a senior final.
They take on inconsistent Horsham Jets.
The Jets failed to register a win until round five and have also lost the past two games. Warrack’s five wins have come throughout the season.
If Horsham can get Ellie Morrow, Sophie Robinson, Launa Schilling and Robyn Creek on the field at the same time they are almost unbeatable, but vulnerable if even one of these players is missing.
Warrack will rely on experienced Kelly Krahe, Alana Morrow and Tiffany Bull.
Yanac Women and Dimboola Roos are evenly matched and the psychological advantage of a win in this game could be the difference if they were to meet again in the grand final.
Two of the competition’s leading players will face off in the midfield, with Erin Alexander dictating play from centre half back for Yanac, and Elizabeth Klinge filling the same role for Dimboola.
Others such as Susan Hedt, Shanaye Alexander and Mikalyla Farmers for Yanac and Rebecca Lovett, Vicki Smithyman and Brooke Mcmaster, Dimboola, will also need to play significant roles.
Under-16 semi-finals are between Nhill Leopards and Kaniva Raiders and Yanac Warriors and Warrack Revengers.