Grove to put unbeaten Highton 2 to test in heavyweight contest

HIGHTON 2 has kicked off its 2021-22 Division 1 premiership campaign with two wins but will face its biggest challenge so far against Ocean Grove 2 on Saturday.

Two teams that are likely to feature prominently at the seasons’ end, Highton 2 and Ocean Grove 2 crossed paths a few weeks ago in a pre-pennant trial match.

However, Ocean Grove chairman of selectors Garry Bowyer said he believed that hit-out would not have any bearing on this weekend’s clash.

“The practice was a good hit-out but that’s all it is, a practice game,” Bowyer said.

“It’s a huge game for both clubs, both should be in contention come the end of the season.”

Ocean Grove 2 opened its account in round 1 with victory, but succumbed to a strong St Leonards outfit away from home a fortnight ago.

“We have welcomed three new players, Rick and Jackie Webb have returned to Ocean Grove and also Danny Markovic, which has strengthened our ranks,” Bowyer said. “I expect a hard-fought contest.”

Ladder leader Torquay will head to Leopold needing to adapt to the home side’s surface if it is going to continue its winning run.

Leopold, which has one win from its two outings, will enjoy being back at home and is sure to threaten for the match points as the game draws to a close.

St Leonards will be out to make the most of two home games in a row as it shows the competition it is the real deal this season.

After a 15-shot win over Portarlington and a 19-shot victory over Ocean Grove 2, St Leonards looks to have too much firepower for Clifton Springs, who will be eager to earn its first set of match points.

Portarlington is also yet to trouble the scorers, but returning home could be a big positive in its quest for a victory.

The two points earned in round 1 was the result of a win by the Geoff Lawson team, but it will take a full four-rink effort to get over Geelong Cement at home.

Closing out the round 3 fixtures, Ocean Grove 3 will trek to City of Geelong fresh off a victory against Leopold.

City, who went down to Geelong Cement by the narrowest of margins last time out, will be hunting its first win of the new season.

IT’S A HUGE GAME FOR BOTH CLUBS, BOTH SHOULD BE IN CONTENTION COME THE END OF THE SEASON. OCEAN GROVE’S GARRY BOWYER