DIVISION 2
Saturday August 6th – The Cove, Corio – 10:30am
- Northern Raiders (4th Place, 1-2-3) vs Melton Wolves (Last Place, 1-5)
- Last Time: Week 1, 2016: Raiders 34, Wolves 0
The Wolves could not follow up their first ever win with another last weekend, going down to the Falcons in the Division 2 Mud Bowl. This week they face a team who have set a GV record for the most ties in a season, the Northern Raiders, who drew with Bendigo in the same Mud Bowl. Melton will be out for revenge after copping a 34-0 thrashing from this opponent in Week 1, while the Raiders will be looking for a WIN to get their season back on track, and strengthen their grip on a playoff spot. This game will be closer than the first meeting, but we should still see the Raiders come out on top.
Prediction: Raiders 22, Wolves 6
Saturday August 6th – Heatherbrae Reserve, Officer – 6:30pm
- Pakenham Silverbacks (1st Place, 6-0) vs Bendigo Dragons (2nd Place, 4-1-1)
- Last Time: Week 1, 2016: Silverbacks 14, Dragons 8
The Silverbacks had a bit of a scare last week against the Monash Barbarians, which should result in a fierce response against second-placed Bendigo. The Dragons had to endure shocking field conditions (As did the Falcons, Wolves and Raiders) in their drawn game last week, which stunted their offence considerably. On possibly the best playing surface in Division 2, I see Pakenham continuing their 2016 dominance to move to 7-0. The Dragons are capable of pulling off an upset but it will take a strong all round effort for that to happen. There will be more scoring in this one, but the Silverbacks should come out on top once again.
Prediction: Silverbacks 24, Dragons 18
Sunday August 7th – Henry Turner Reserve, Footscray – 10:30am
- Ballarat Falcons (5th Place, 2-1-3) vs Gippsland Gladiators (6th Place, 1-4-1)
- Last Time: Week 1 2016: Falcons 14, Gladiators 13
These two teams have built up a fierce rivalry since their Championship game in 2014. If their last meeting was any indication, I expect this one to be another close battle. The Falcons are on a high after defeating new rivals Melton in very difficult conditions, and they should be able to handle an under-performing Glads side. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Glads won this game, but it will take a big turn around offensively for them to do so.
Prediction: Falcons 14, Gladiators 8
