Senior Men
Gambier Centrals v Portland Panthers
Gambier Centrals and the Portland Panthers are set to face off twice in two days this weekend in the Barry Maney Premier League Senior Men’s competition.
The first meeting will be on Friday night at MGA Park as the two sides play a rescheduled game from back in round four.
The second contest will be on Sunday in Portland with that match being the official game for round 11.
The Panthers have been in good form over the past few weeks and will be feeling pretty confident in coming away with some points in either match.
In the last three games Portland have one two and drew in one with the draw coming in a great contest with Inter last round.
Centrals have also been in similar form to Portland, as they have had two wins and two draws.
With how even the top two race is, these two games will be important for Centrals, as a positive result in any match will put them into first place as Inter has the bye this week.
For Portland, points this weekend will help them cement their spot in the top four as there are three points separating them and fifth place Apollo.
If the Panthers can compete like they did against Inter last round then we should be in for two great matches.
I see Gambier Centrals definitely getting the three points in one of these matches, but I would not be surprised if the Panthers get a point off them on either Friday or Sunday.
Apollo v Millicent United
Apollo will host Millicent United on Sunday as both sides look to get back on the winners list.
These sides last met on Saturday night in round four with Apollo getting a big 11-3 win.
Despite the result Millicent started that match quite well as they scored the first two goals.
Apollo will be keen to get a win this week as they are on a two game losing streak.
A win will help their chances of getting into the top four as they are currently one point out.
Millicent on the other hand are still searching for their first win as it has been an overall tough season for them.
I think Apollo will be just too good for Millicent in this contest and will definitely secure the three points on Sunday.
Naracoorte United v Blue Lake
Blue Lake will be on the road on Sunday as they face Naracoorte United.
These sides are yet to face this season after their round four contest was postponed.
Both sides would like to be in better form over the past few games as Blue Lake have had a loss, a win and two draws while Naracoorte have had one win and three losses.
As Naracoorte currently sits in sixth place with six points there is still a possibility of them making finals.
If Naracoorte can continue to win then they will be in a good position to make finals.
If Blue Lake wants to remain in the top four they need to continue winning as Apollo are hot on their tail.
Despite Naracoorte coming off a win I do not think they will be able to compete with Blue Lake in this contest so I think the Rangers should get the three points.
Senior Women
Gambier Centrals v Portland Panthers
Like in the men Gambier Centrals and Portland will be facing off twice in a short time span as they catch up a game from round four.
The two sides will first meet tonight at MGA Park under the lights with the second game on Sunday in Portland.
Portland have not been in good form lately, losing three and getting a draw in their last four games.
Centrals on the other hand are coming off a loss after winning three games straight.
The Panthers have got a solid result to build off as they had a draw with Inter.
After their loss to Apollo last round Centrals will be keen to get a win as they lost their spot in the top two.
Both of these games are important for both sides so it will be a very interesting weekend.
I definitely see Centrals getting at least one win but there is no doubt the Panthers will make it a competitive contest in both games.
Apollo v Millicent United
Apollo will take on Millicent United on Saturday as they face off once again after playing last Thursday night.
In Thursday night’s contest Apollo had a strong 8-0 victory and continued their undefeated season.
After Thursday night’s loss, it made it eight for the season for Millicent as it has been overall very tough.
With Apollo well and truly in the drivers seat of the competition this year as another win on Saturday will continue their dominant season as they continue to stay undefeated and look for back to back premierships.
I expect Apollo to continue their winning ways on Saturday and pick up the three points again.
Naracoorte United v Blue Lake
Blue Lake will travel to Naracoorte on Sunday as both sides look to claim the crucial three points.
Naracoorte is coming off a great win last round while Blue Lake will be fresh and ready to play after having two weeks off.
A bit of a surprise team this year – Naracoorte currently sits second on the ladder with 16 points.
It will be crucial for them to get the win this week as Centrals are right behind them on the ladder by one point with the chance of them getting six points this weekend.
Blue Lake on the other hand have a solid spot in the top four as there are five points separating them and fifth place Portland.
I think Naracoorte will be able to come away with the points in this contest despite a competitive challenge from Blue Lake.
