Division 1, 2 and Women’s
Division 1
With six games left to play Essendon and Blackburn sit on top of their respective conferences. Although both teams look solid and have held those spots for most of the season nothing is assured as the lower teams clamour for the second position in each conference. Play-off spots go to the top two teams in each.
Geelong stamped their intentions on the competition with a one run win over Preston yesterday, their second in a row. That win put them two wins clear of the Pirates in second spot in conference two. Theses two teams meet up again tomorrow night (Tuesday 27th Jan) at 8.50pm at MBP. Expect to see them playing like their season depends on the result, because it just might.
In conference one Cheltenham host Melbourne who are three games ahead of them in second place. The Demons split a series with Blackburn last week and had a ten run victory over the Rustlers yesterday so are in good form in the twilight of the season. Another loss for Cheltenham will put them four games behind with only five to play. Their two drawn results may come into play if they can put a stop to the Demons form.
The resurgent Doncaster takes on Blackburn as the Dragons are looking to keep their slim play off chances alive. They, like Cheltenham, currently sit three games behind Melbourne who are in second spot, the Dragons are currently fourth as the Rustler’s have two drawn games as a buffer in third spot. Meanwhile, league leaders Essendon who are on sixteen wins take on Newport on nine wins.
In summary, Blackburn and Essendon look like they have the two top spots whilst Melbourne and Geelong are close to clinching the two second places. Meanwhile, Preston and Cheltenham have everything to play for as they fight for a finals berth.
Division 2
In Division 2 there are currently seven games left to play. Sunshine, Werribee and Moorabbin look steady in the top three spots. Malvern are holding fourth spot with the two drawn results as a buffer. Springvale (who now have their representative players back), Fitzroy and Berwick are all chances to make the top four but will need to show improved form if they want to be a serious threat to the top teams. A resurgent Port Melbourne look out of contention for play offs but could have a say in the results as they have won three out of their last four.
Women’s Division 1
In Women’s Division 1 there are three games left to play. The dominant Springvale suffered their first defeat when Doncaster beat them by one run yesterday. The Dragons sit in second spot seven wins clear of fourth. Essendon, in third spot, have matured as a team as the season has progressed and are starting to show good form. The young Bombers create concerns for the two teams above them and will put the pressure on come finals time. Footscray in fourth will need to maintain their advantage of two drawn games over Malvern who are fifth. The Bulldogs have a lot of talent in their line-up but their form will need to improve if they want to be a realistic chance in the finals.
Report by Cam Gleeson