Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Preview – Round 18


Published on Thursday, August 17, 2017

Author : Doug Long

A look ahead at Round 17 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.

After what seemed like an eternity for Mernda fans, their team finally snapped a 12-game losing streak in Round 17 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.

David Hutchinson booted ten goals and moved to third on the goal kicking table as his team trounced Reservoir by 99 points at Crispe Park. Hutchinson kicked nine against the Mustangs in their Round 2 encounter.

The win would come as a huge relief for coach Steve Power and new president Danny Whitacker.

Epping played its last game prior to its finals campaign – having the Round 18 bye – and came away a big 111-point winner over Kilmore at Epping Recreation Reserve.

Daniel Moore booted five majors, while Tom Hughes, Joel Dunmore and Leigh Judd acquitted themselves well further afield.

The Blues have been very impressive in the latter part of the year and should enter the finals with some confidence, having won eight of their past nine matches.

After trailing at the first break against Laurimar at Laurimar Reserve, Banyule responded with an 8.4 to 1.1 second term to lead the home team by 38 points at the main break.

But the Power won the second half in an encouraging display – finally going down by 34 points. Their fight back was particularly meritorious considering they were overrun by Reservoir in their previous game.

Spanning a large age gap, Lance Whitnall booted five for Laurimar, while under-17 player Jack Stewart grabbed his opportunity and played very well.

Banyule captain Scott Gumbleton slotted three goals in his return to the line-up, as did the talented Jacob Smith. James Kroussoratis had no trouble finding the ball, but finished with a very wayward 2.8 for the day.

South Morang travelled to Heidelberg Park to tackle Heidelberg West. Given the Hawks had just lost to St Mary’s by 107 points, many would have expected the Lions to record a similar result.

But the Hawks were within seven points at the main break, before South Morang played a great third term and eventually ran out winners by 55 points.

Raafat Rachrache returned to form with seven majors. Mitch Dickson, Tye Hall and Luke Shelton also stood out for the Lions.

“It’s hard to go through the motions with one eye on the finals and two rounds to go,” South Morang coach Gary Hall said after the match.

The day was a much better one for the Hawks as they gave players opportunities to show what they can do.

“We challenged the players to bring effort and intent this week,” Heidelberg West coach Gary Cutler said. “They did that in spades. They did us proud today.”

Playing at half back, the ever-improving Ryan Offer was best for the Hawks. Cutler was also pleased with the efforts of Samuel James – in his first senior game for the year – and Ayden Kelly. Both players were promoted from the reserves.

Round 18 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 is highlighted by St Mary’s playing South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. South Morang will be holding a players reunion on the day.

The Burra will be fresh after coming off the bye and will be keen to do well in this encounter as they will play the Lions at some stage in the finals series if they keep on winning.

However, most tipsters are likely to stick with South Morang to continue its winning streak under Gary Hall – now standing at 11 wins. The Lions defeated the Burra by 38 points in their Round 9 encounter at Whatmough Park.

Heidelberg West will be the underdog as it plays next door neighbour Banyule at R.J. Brockwell Oval to round out its year. Regardless of the result, this will be the best season for the Hawks for many years.

These team last met in Round 8 at Heidelberg Park when the Bears prevailed by 25 points. After multiple team changes in recent weeks, it is expected Banyule may settle the line-up as finals approach.

Reservoir makes its first ever trip to J.J. Clancy Reserve to tackle Kilmore.

Both sides would be keen to finish well after losing in Round 17 matches by a total of 210 points.

The Blues are likely to be warm favourites to win in front of their home crowd over the bottom-placed Mustangs.

Mernda will be looking for back-to back wins when hosting Laurimar at Waterview Recreation Reserve.

The Demons began the year with two wins and would like to end the season the same way on their past players day.

But they would be wary of the Power, who performed admirably against Banyule last week and also won the pair’s earlier outing in Round 6.

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