Week 1 is complete with some predictable results.
The opening game of the season saw the Croydon Rangers take on long-time rival, Warriors Gridiron. Conditions were warm, sunny yet still a bit damp under foot. This saw a number of players slip due to the wet field.
After jumping to a 12-0 lead. the Warriors gradually lost their grip on the game, with the Rangers scoring 28 unanswered points. The Warriors had a new QB and a RB who I tried to retire (Luke Jackson). The Rangers had a new look offense with WR’s Jacob Kerin, James Cleaver (ex-Buccaneers) and a young American RB by the name of Jeremi Green. Green will become more familiar to you all as the season progresses.
On field 2 we saw the Western Crusaders II taking on the Melton Wolves. There was no stopping the Cru II offense in this one as they piled on 44 points. The Wolves did get their game going later as they scored 14 points. Defense was the issue for the Wolves, allowing Cru receivers easy scores.
Our 3rd game saw hosts the Bendigo Dragons playing the South Eastern Predators. Low on numbers the Dragons faced an uphill battle against a much bigger Predator outfit. Preds QB Brad Ferguson was back after his shoulder injury last season and he had a new target to throw to. That target is #1 James Phillips from the USA, who had a great catch for an early score. This game wasn’t much of a contest in the end, with the Dragons having to forfeit due to injuries. One major injury to their RB who seemed to have seriously injured his knee, after a huge hit (refer to YouTube video above)
The final game saw the Crusaders taking on the new look Northern Raiders. Same Crusaders with the same result. It is hard to see anyone being able to beat this team, who are looking for their 5th consecutive Championship. They ran out big winners 56-0.
Week 2 is played over the 2 days, due to the Juniors making their first appearances for the season.
Sunday, we see a rematch of the Vic Bowl with the Crusaders travelling to Croydon to take on the Rangers. I don’t see much changing here with the Crusaders to run out winners in familiar fashion.
Saturday, the Wolves play host to the Dragons in Melton. Despite low numbers I think the Dragons will be more competitive in this one, and could possibly get the W. In a close one I see the Wolves just getting over the line.
The 2nd game in Melton we see CRU II taking on Warriors Gridiron. Despite having a strong side, the Warriors Defense will be too good for the Crusaders. The Warriors will hope to get the passing game going after a less than impressive showing last week.
In the Northern part of Melbourne, we have the Northern Raiders and South Eastern Predators going head-to-head. The Predators will be too good for the Raiders but the boys from the North will have a better showing on the scoreboard.
*NOTE – Reviews and Previews will not be as in-depth this season. Due to my workload*
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