Surging Storm to host Roos
Aresurgent Jeparit-rainbow will host reigning premier Harrow-balmoral on Saturday in what represents a litmus test for the Horsham District league’s northernmost and southernmost teams.
After being humbled by Natimuk United in round one, the Storm has been excellent, winning four matches in a row to sit third on the ladder.
The team’s 11.6 (72) to 5.7 (37) showcased a surprising strength this season – defence.
Despite losing backline depth with the departures of players such as Adam Schulz and Jayden Werner during the offseason, Jeparit-rainbow has the second most miserly defence in the league this season.
The Storm did not allow Kalkee to score in the first quarter and held the Kees to one goal at half time, with defenders Heath and Simon Clugston playing key roles.
At the other end of the ground Ben Warren was on fire, booting eight goals for the match in a best-on-ground performance.
The Kees mustered four goals to their opponents’ six in the second half but it was too little, too late.
A classy Simon Hobbs was Kalkee’s best performer, finishing with two goals.
While a win over the 2018 grand final runner-up will please Jeparit-rainbow coach Daniel Batson, he must now turn his attention to the reigning premier.
Harrow-balmoral continued its imperious start to the season by dominating Swifts at home.
The Baggies put up a fight in the first quarter, booting three goals to the Roos’ five, but were swept aside with a six-goals-to-one onslaught in the second.
In the on-field absence of coach Nick Pekin, Roo Scott Addinsall continued a fine run of form with three goals to be named best afield.
Regular midfield contributors Peter Staude and Eric Guthrie were also conspicuous, while big man Mick Phelan helped offset the impact of Swifts’ Brett Hargreaves and Matt Healy.
Swifts midfielders Ryan Folkes and coach Scott Carey kicked three goals between them but struggled to have their usual impact.
Jakob Salmi was the Baggies’ best in the 18.15 (123) to 5.4 (34) loss.
While most eyes will be on Jeparit-rainbow and Harrow-balmoral’s clash this weekend, there will be plenty of other intriguing matchups.
Kalkee faces another big challenge when it travels to Natimuk Showground to take on Natimuk United.
The Rams dismantled Taylors Lake by 90 points at the weekend, with a 10-goal third quarter a highlight.
Such was the dominance of the visitors that an eight-goal haul to Nathan Koenig only earned him sixth place on the Rams’ best players list.
Top honours went to Mitch Riddell, while big-bodied Justin Bromley was also prominent in the 20.16 (136) to 6.10 (46) win.
The Rams also celebrated a reserves win against Taylors Lake, marking veteran Simon Mentz’s 350th game for the club.
Midfielder Dean Harberger never stopped trying for the Lakers, who have an opportunity to put the game behind them and earn their first win of the season against Noradjuha-quantong on Saturday.
The Bombers will draw confidence from a triple-digit victory against Pimpinio, winning 20.13 (133) to 4.3 (27) and snapping a threegame losing streak in the process.
Forwards Shane Oakley and Jye Walter shared in the spoils for the Bombers, booting seven goals apiece.
It was a memorable milestone for Oakley, who played his 300th senior game for NoradjuhaQuantong alongside midfielder Jason Kerr in his 200th.
Brock Hamerston and coach Liam Jakobi were Pimpinio’s best players.
The Tigers will regroup with a bye in round seven, before taking on Taylors Lake on June 8.
In other matches this weekend, Laharum will host Edenhope-apsley and Swifts host Rupanyup.
The Panthers are basking in the aftermath of a shock three-point win against the Mountain Men on Saturday.
Laharum was pressing for what would have been a match-winning goal when the final siren sounded, causing jubilation for the home crowd at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.
A powerful display from midfielder Elliot Kelly saw him named the Panthers’ best player for a fourth consecutive game, while Darby Harrison and club stalwart Daniel Schaper were also outstanding.
Mitch Horwood was best afield for the Mountain Men, who were hamstrung by inaccurate kicking in the 6.7 (43) to 5.10 (40) loss.