Editors Note : We are excited to add the Division 2 previews each week thanks to our new contributor Scott from the Melton Wolves. At Gridiron Down Under we want to provide information about the local leagues to the people who care about them.
So far in 2016 the Pakenham Silverbacks have kept the momentum of the 2015 championship going with an influx of players from other clubs and a new QB from the USA has them way out in front with Bendigo the only team to challenge them. Can other teams from division two challenge the Silverbacks or are they on the way to back to back championships and promotion to division one, only time will tell.
DIVISION 2
Saturday July 23 – Maryvale Reserve, Morwell – 2:00pm
- Melton Wolves (7th Place, 0-4) vs Gippsland Gladiators (6th Place, 1-3-1)
- Last Time: First Meeting
This is a bottom of the table clash between one of the original DIV 2 teams the Gladiators against newcomers Melton. The Gladiators go in as favourites in this one with the Wolves failing to score any points to this stage of the season and the long trip to Morwell will not help. If Wolves QB Matthew Krul can keep his feet this week, there is no reason why the wolves can’t get that maiden TD.
I expect a hard fought battle in this one with the Gladiators at home coming out on top.
Editor’s Prediction: Gladiators 20, Wolves 6
Saturday July 23 – Tom Flood Sports Center, Bendigo – 6:30pm
- Bendigo Dragons (2nd Place, 3-1) vs Ballarat Falcons (5th Place, 1-2-1)
- Last Time: Week 13 2015 : Bendigo Dragons 58, Ballarat Falcons 8
The Bendigo Dragons rightfully go into the first of the Gold fields Bowl games as firm favourites thanks to their 3-1 record but don’t discount the Falcons. Ballarat have had a very mixed season so far and are coming off a high scoring loss to the Monash Barbarians last week so they can find the endzone. Who will win bragging rights in this battle between Victoria’s little big cities and take how the Goldfield Bowl? Bendigo with too much firepower for the Falcons should win easily.
Prediction: Dragons 32, Falcons 14
Sunday July 24 – Ranger Field, Croydon – 10:30am
- Northern Raiders (4th Place, 1-1-2) vs Monash Barbarians (3rd Place, 2-2)
- Last Time: Semi Final 2015 : Monash Barbarians 10, Northern Raiders 6
After an impressive opening game of the season for the Raiders, it’s safe to say it’s been disappointing from them since. They followed up their opening win with two draws and then last week a 36-0 loss to 1st place Pakenham at home. In saying that, Pakenham with the bye this week have only really been tested by 2nd place Bendigo in the opening week. The Raiders find themselves up against a Barbarians outfit that seems to have hit its offensive stride after beating the Falcons last week 36-22 after a 12-0 half time score. Monash have made some personnel moves recently to add some more experience to the Barbarians which will help.
I’m calling this one GAME OF THE WEEK in Division 2
Prediction: Raiders 24, Barbarians 18
