DIVISION 2
Saturday July 30th – Victoria Park, Ballarat – 10:30am
- Bendigo Dragons (2nd Place, 4-1) vs Northern Raiders (4th Place, 1-2-2)
- Last Time: Week 12, 2015: Dragons 28 Raiders 6
The Dragons come off an impressive team effort after thrashing the Falcons last week 60-0. The Raiders, although solid, were again defeated this time by the improved Monash Barbarians. This game is a make or break for the Raiders, who are only just holding onto 4th position. A number of injuries to key players has seen the Raiders struggle a little and while I don’t see them winning this game against the 2nd best team in the division, I do see them improving as they get players back from injury.
Prediction: Dragons 28, Raiders 16
Saturday July 30th – Victoria Park, Ballarat – 2:00pm
- Ballarat Falcons (5th Place, 1-3-1) vs Melton Wolves (Last Place, 1-4)
- Last Time: First Meeting
History was made last week when the Wolves won their very first game since joining Gridiron Victoria at the beginning of the year. After a long trip to Morwell last week, can they repeat their Defensive efforts and shut out the Falcons? Since an impressive opening game the Falcons have struggled. After suffering 2 massive defeats in a row, can they find form and knock off their new rivals? This is the “Battle of the Highway” (Western Highway).
HISTORICAL NOTE – The Wolves first score came after an impressive interception by their 42 year old cornerback, which led to that touchdown drive. We won’t name names but safe to say he will remind his team mates of it every single week.
Prediction: Falcons 14, Wolves 12
Sunday 31st July – Sydney Pargeter Reserve, Endeavour Hills – 10:30am
- Pakenham Silverbacks (1st Place, 5-0) vs Monash Barbarians (3rd Place, 3-2)
- Last Time: Division 2 Championship Game: Silverback 9 Barbarians 6
It’s almost impossible to pick against the Pakenham Silverbacks right now even when it is a championship rematch. If they don’t beat you on the ground with hard running, they will most likely beat you in the air with their US import QB Kevin Russell. The Barbarians have improved after some changes to their playing personnel. With the added experience can they put pressure on the Silverbacks and give them their first loss? Or will the Silverbacks continue to dominate, making it to the Championship game at Lakeside Stadium undefeated? I just don’t see this going any other way.
Prediction: Silverbacks 40, Barbarians 14
Be sure to check out the Week 6 division 2 Power Rankings & enjoy all of the wonderful football on offer this week in both divisions, and we’ll catch you back here in the same spot next week.
