Finals build-up in Wimmera hockey
Wimmera Hockey Association’s penultimate round of games before the finals will unfold on the synthetic surface at Dimboola on Saturday.
While some teams have already qualified for finals, and some now know that they cannot make it, for others this weekend will make or break their season.
In open competition the top two teams are locked in, but the four remaining teams all have the opportunity to claim one of two remaining finals places.
Nhill Rangers need a win, and although their opponents Warrack Hoops came away with a draw last week, it would be dangerous to draw a form line from the result. Both teams have players that excel on the synthetic surface.
With the Rangers having the incentive of confirming a place in the finals, this should be a hotly contested match.
A chance to take on undefeated Yanac Tigers should also see Horsham Hurricanes bring their A-game to competition this weekend.
If they do, they have more incentive than their opponents, who already have top spot on the ladder. This should be an entertaining game regardless of the result.
Despite a win last weekend, Dimboola
Burras are still to find their best form, and with Kaniva Cobras having pushed the higher-ranked Hoops for the full 70 minutes last round, this should be the match of the day in open competition.
The Burras still need another win to confirm a place in the finals beyond doubt, but a Cobras victory could find them rising into the top four by Saturday evening. Both teams have much to gain but also much to lose on this result.
The teams playing finals in the women’s competition have already been set, so interest in the last two rounds comes from what order they will finish and which will earn the ‘second chance’.
Finding good form at the business end of the season will also be a priority for coaches.
Kaniva enters this round with little match practice over recent weeks after an abandoned round and a bye last weekend. It will have to take winless Dimboola Roos seriously to re-start its build-up to the finals.
The Roos have struggled this year and have nothing to lose, so by taking on a team that might not be in its best form, they could very well spring an upset.
After a big win in round 14, Horsham Jets will get the opportunity to find out precisely where they stand in the
competition when they meet undefeated Yanac Women.
Although yet to drop a game, Yanac has not recorded many huge wins, so it might find it challenging to take on a Jets team full of confidence.
Two points from the bye will keep Nhill Thunderbirds in touch with the top two.
In under-16s, a win in the opening game of the day is vital for Warrack Revengers’ chances of climbing back into the top four.
But Nhill Leopards will not be an easy opponent.
Already in the finals, the Leopards will want to bounce back quickly from their loss to the Warriors last round, but Revengers need the win to remain in contention.
The most anticipated game for the round will see the top two teams clash.
The last time they met, also on the turf at Dimboola, Yanac Warriors earned a narrow win over Horsham Bombers 2-1.
These two have already booked places in the second semi-final, so this game is all about gaining a psychological advantage before they meet again in three weeks.
Kaniva Raiders have the bye, and the two points they earn could still be vital in their chances of holding fourth place and a spot in the semi-finals.
Results – Open: Yanac Tigers 2 (goals, S. Alexander, T. Alexander; best, T. Alexander, S. Alexander, J. Croot) d Nhill Rangers 0 (J. Reichelt, B. Miller, K. Rowe), Dimboola Burras 4 (F. Cullen 3, T. Jorgensen; R. Cullen, T. Jorgensen, B. Tischler) d Horsham Hurricanes 3 (P. Mackereth, T. Leffler, T. Batchelor; P. Mackereth, T. Leffler, T. Roberts), Kaniva Cobras 1 (D. Cole; C. Beattie, D. Cole, L. Mills) drew with Warrack Hoops 1 (O. Bennett; C. Bardell, R. Brown, S. Schultz). Women: Horsham Jets 7 (E. Morrow 3, M. Guest 2, A. Morrow, K. Schwarz; E. Morrow, A. Morrow, L. Schilling) d Dimboola Roos 1 (L. Eilola; A. Rintoule, L. Eilola, C. Hadzig), Yanac Women 4 (L. Bone 2, E. Alexander, C. Dickinson; L. Bone, M. Farmers, T. Croot) d Nhill Thunderbirds 2 (G. Mcleod, E. Murden; E. Murden, C. Rowe, J. Hauselburger). Under-16s: Kaniva Raiders 7 (B. Williams 2, C. White 2, X. Stimson 2, L. Krelle; C. White, X. Stimson, J. White) d Warrack Revengers 1 (S. Williamson; L. Eilola, C. Bennett, N. Eilola, O. Slater), Yanac Warriors 2 (R. Croot 2; R. Croot, A. Farmers, H. Pedie) d Nhill Leopards 0 (C. Rowe, I. Deckert, K. Clark).