With the dominant Silverbacks taking the week off, it’s left up to the rest to sort out the top 4 with 2nd, 3rd and 4th still up for grabs in Division 2.
WEEK 13 is upon us.
Saturday 17th September – DR Atkinson Reserve, Reservoir – 3:00pm
- Melton Wolves (Last place Place, 1-9) vs Gippsland Gladiators (6th Place, 1-9-1)
- Last Time: Week 6, 2016: Wolves 12, Gladiators 0
It’s been a long season, one which is taking it’s toll on the boys from Morwell. The Gladiators were forced to forfeit last week, and even though they were offered players from the Wolves to fill the holes, they turned it down and gave the Dragons the win. Did they do it knowing they would not beat the Dragons, and instead tried to stay healthy for the following week’s bottom of the table clash with Melton? Either way, the Wolves are on the improve and with confidence from the previous defeat of the Gladiators, I see the Wolfpack getting their 2nd win for the season. Quarterback Matthew Krul will be guiding his team to victory once again and the defence are hungry for turnovers.
Prediction: Wolves 22, Gladiators 14
Saturday 17th September – DR Atkinson Reserve, Reservoir – 6:30pm
- Northern Raiders (4th Place, 4-3-3 ) vs Monash Barbarians (3rd Place, 6-4)
- Last Time: Week 6, 2016: Barbarians 20, Raiders 8
The Raiders and Barbarians will be ensuring they don’t finish in 4th spot as they would end up facing the formidable Silverbacks in week 1 of the playoffs. Last time they met, the Barbs were on the improve but since then they haven’t been as consistent. The Raiders are coming of a heavy defeat and won’t want to lose this one. Looks like the drawn games for the Raiders have come back to bite them on the rear. The Barbarians can still take 2nd spot, but need other results to go their way. This will be the game of the week.
Prediction: Raiders 28, Barbarians 20
Sunday 18th September – Henry Turner Reserve, Footscray – 10:30am
- Ballarat Falcons (5th Place, 3-6-1) vs Bendigo Dragons (2nd Place, 7-2-1)
- Last Time: Week 6 2016: Dragons 60, Falcons 0
The long trip to Officer last week obviously had an effect on the teal tide. It’s the excuse they could use but we all know the powerhouse team they faced. Unfortunately a playoff spot is slipping for Ballarat and again they are relying on results to go their way, as well as having to defeat the Dragons. Safe to say that this won’t be happening. All they can do now is play for pride. The Dragons had a forced bye last week and used that time to train on an artificial field back home in Bendigo. Let’s see what effect the extra week off has on them come Sunday.
Prediction: Dragons 48, Falcons 6
