Round 4 Preview

The rains are a coming ! Well that’s what is predicted, and it certainly does even up most of the contests in an intriguing round four of SS&A OMFNL.

Round four will see for the first time in 2022  all Saturday afternoon matches for the ten teams after a series of twighlight and Easter weekend clashes across the first month.

The rain forecast earlier in the week was start building the Ark stuff – that has been scaled back somewhat with a chance the afternoon may see clearer sky’s.

The match of the round could certainly be tagged to four of the games with the top v bottom clash at Bunton Park between the Hoppers and Magpies the only apparent clear-cut result.

The Magpies depth of talent was very evident in its strong win over Corowa Rutherglen last week by over twenty goals without star forwards Ben Reid and Michael Newton. The Hoppers lost no admirers with its tenacious effort against Albury on ANZAC day. This week is no easier as a massive challenge confronts the young Hoppers.

Two of the most impressive winners from round three, Wangaratta Rovers and Yarrawonga clash at the WJ Findlay Oval that could have a very early top three link to it. The Rovers will be desperate to take a top five scalp with losses already to Wangaratta and Myrtleford putting pressure on its double chance ambitions. Their response last week at the Lavington Sportsground was just what coach Daryn Cresswell required as they look to make it three in a row against second placed Yarrawonga. The Pigeons themselves were super impressive in dismissing the Myrtleford challenge last week and with the expected rain will fancy their chances against the old rivals.

Speaking of Myrtleford can they find something special at home against third placed Albury Tigers who after a heavy loss to the Magpies in round one have been solid. The return of big bodies in Dawson Simpson, Matt Dussin and Jake Sharpe on a wet Myrtleford day wouldn’t hurt their cause and would answer a few Saints prayers. When the draw came out a lot of punters would have anticipated this game to be the one that would determine a lot about the Saints premiership hopes – nothing has changed.

Wodonga will be full of confidence coming off its ANZAC Day derby win over the Raiders – will the five-day break be an issue against the Lavington Panthers. Doggies coach Jordan Taylor will have freshened his charges up no doubt, while Lavington mentor Adam Schneider would have been disappointed with the Panthers heavy loss to Rovers. Lavington with just the one win will need to win this one if they are to stay in the finals race – they have found a star in Billy Glanvill who can play in any position.

Corowa Rutherglen play host to Wodonga Raiders at the John Foord Oval with the winner staying well and truly in the finals picture – so who will it be. The Raiders despite being second last without a win have been competitive in its last two outings and will give themselves a chance against the Roos. Both sides love the wide-open spaces with their respective ovals being the largest in the league. Expect plenty of end-to-end attack. The winner will be the team who makes the most of its chances and converts best from inside fifty – the home ground advantage will see the Roos start favourite.

Exciting moment for Wangaratta co netball coach Hannah Grady who will play her 150th first grade game becoming just the second Magpie to do so alongside Katie Dean. A premiership player back in 2012 C Grade, she has risen through the ranks to become a two-time A grade premiership player. Their opponent on Saturday will be North Albury who are coming off back-to-back wins. The Magpies suffered its first loss last week against Corowa Rutherglen.

Myrtleford and Albury’s clash has huge ramifications for the loser as it will make finals participation very unlikely even this early in the season. Both sides are coming off losses last week with the Saints being blasted off the court by Yarrawonga and Albury falling to the Hoppers. The Pigeons were at their absolute brutal best last week and should continue its run with a win over Rovers who have Jenna McLeod playing her 100th A grade game.

Reliable Lavington utility Maggie Thompson will play her 150th Ovens and Murray club game ironically against her former club Wodonga. The Panthers have been one of the big improvers this season and should keep its spot inside the top three with a win over the Doggies.

The final game will see top placed Corowa Rutherglen up against the inform fifth placed Wodonga Raiders who are making a bold bid for finals action. It is pretty well accepted that the top four teams will play finals – leaving the final spot in the five a fascinating battle of which Raiders are fully invested in.