Week 2 saw a mixture of outcomes, with one or 2 surprise results.
In the early game on Saturday, the undermanned Dragons travelled to Melton to take on the Wolves. After the Dragons got on top 8-6 by half time, that lead was quickly dwindled away and then the Wolves put the foot down. The Dragons first year QB Nathan Holt and WR Jayden Burke got on the scoreboard first. Hopefully we see them in Dragons colours for the years to come. The Wolves ran out winning 38-8
The next game in Melton was between the Western Crusaders II and Warriors Gridiron. Starting RB Luke Jackson was resting this week (no he definitely hasn’t retired) and we saw a few Cru 2 players that you would normally see in their first side. A couple new Royal additions as well for the Cru. The Warriors jumped out of the blocks first before a sprightful comeback by Cru 2. Warriors ending up holding on for a 32-22 win, although not all that convincing.
Over in the North, the Raiders played host to the South Eastern Predators. In very muddy conditions, there was a fair bit of scoring in this one. Eventually the Predators experience proved to be the difference with a 36-20 win.
On Sunday we had the Vic Bowl rematch. The result was pretty much the same as the previous Vic Bowl. The Crusaders hit the scoreboard first, second and then 3rd. Taking a 24-0 lead into the second half. QB Matthew Krul was on fire running the ball with 3 rushing TD’s of his own as well as 3 passing TD’s. None more spectacular than his strike to WR DJ Battistella. Batistella also had a 55yd Punt return for a score.
The Crusader Defence was nothing short of spectacular once again. Allowing nothing to get past the line of scrimmage, except for a few runs. The Rangers had to resort to some big passes and catches to help advance the ball. This game had a heap of turnovers by both sides. Crusaders ended up winning 48-0.
Week 3 fast approaches with 4 more games, all on Saturday.
Bright and early in the morning will see the Cru II up against the Bendigo Dragons. Unfortunately for the Dragons, it will be a very long trip back home up the Highway by the time this one is finished. Cru to win 52-0. A player will be mic’d up for this one. Who will it be?
At 1pm the Crusaders take on the Warriors in what will be yet another victory for the Crusaders, on their way to the Vic Bowl. Going by recent history, this one will be over by the half. Crusaders to win 54-0.
We then head over to Croydon where the Rangers will play host to the Predators, this is definitely game of the week but I would expect the Rangers to come out victors in this matchup. Rangers to win 36-14.
The final game in Melton will see rivals the Northern Raiders up against the home side Wolves. The Wolves had a decent win while the Raiders were very competitive. It will be close but I see the Raiders getting their first victory for the 2022 season. Raiders 34 to the Wolves 18.
