Mount Burr v Hatherleigh


Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr has seldom hosted such an important minor round clash as the annual visit by ladder leader Hatherleigh on Saturday in round 15 of the Mid South Eastern football League.


The dream of a first-ever unblemished season for the Eagles was dashed in round 14 at home when the Port MacDonnell Demons lowered their colours to the tune of 12 points.


Hatherleigh had a number of talented players on the injured and unavailable list, but so too does every other club in the competition.


The four other clubs left in the running to lift the Wilf Sprengel Shield on grand final day at Kongorong on September 21 might privately wish to conspire to force Mount Burr into fifth place at the conclusion of the 18 home and away rounds.


After all, the Mozzies are the undisputed September specialists in the MSEFL with more A Grade premiership pennants than any other club.


Mount Burr has a tough final month of the minor round with games against Robe, Tantanoola and Glencoe.


Until the final team lists are exchanged, it would be foolish to tip a winner.


Kalangadoo v Glencoe


The last time Glencoe defeated Kalangadoo you could have bought a sugar bag filled with crays at the Bay for about two bobs (20 cents).


That is a little far-fetched but it has been a long 11 seasons since the Murphies have triumphed over the Magpies.


It is hard to see how these neighbouring clubs and archrivals have played around 20 matches and had the same result.


The rivalry dates back to the 1920s and well before the advent of the MSEFL in 1936.


The home side must win to stay in the hunt for a berth in the major round.


The modern-day Magpies would also be keen to put on a good show for the members of the 1982, 1983 and 1984 premiership teams.


It is expected some past premiership players will be travelling long distances to be present including the likes of Greg Cotton and Robert Halliday.


Glencoe will be looking to be the party spoilers under the leadership of skipper Dylan Childs and key forward Alex Hentschke.


Ball magnet Childs is rated a strong chance of a Mail Medal win while Hentschke is closing in on the MSEFL goal kicking prize.


Hentschke booted a bag of six at home against Kongorong in round 14 and now has 43 for the season.


Ladder leader Paddy Chay of Hatherleigh has 43 goals but missed this round as he was having a run with South Adelaide Reserves.


If the Magpies cannot defeat the Murphies on their home deck and with much crowd support, they do not belong in the top four.


Nangwarry v Tantanoola


A quick glance at the scores suggests Tantanoola was easily beaten by Kalangadoo by around six goals at Tigerland in round 14.


This can be deceptive as The Tigers were well in the hunt for victory until late in the final term.


Tantanoola almost had a goal at the five-minute mark of the fourth quarter but the Magpie defenders had the presence of mind to rush the ball through for a minor score.


If the home team had registered a major score, the margin would have been sliced to just 10 points with well over 20 minutes left on the clock.


Kalangadoo regained the ascendency and with the benefit of a strong breeze, ran on to win.


This weekend the Saints will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of their second premiership under late coach Phil Muhovics.


It came at the expense of Tantanoola and was played in a blustery day at the Bay.


Ian Hawke played a pearler for the red and whites to claim the Stan Jones best on ground trophy while the goal of the grand final was a 60m screw punt from the clubrooms’ outer pocket from the boot of Tiger coach Ashleigh Barnett.


As well as the premiership reunion, Nangwarry will be hosting a reception to acknowledge 60 years of consistent sponsorship by local timber industry firm L.V.


Dohnt & Co.


Port MacDonnell v Robe


Port MacDonnell’s stellar win at Hatherleigh in round 14 may have been only by 12 points but it was enough to breathe fresh life into the competition.


The seasiders cannot be discounted from winning their second flag within the space of four years.


Robe has motored along steadily and garnered support from various quarters.


If not for the penalty after the round two team sheet error, Robe would be atop the MSEFL ladder.


Port MacDonnell has fielded a stronger 21 in recent weeks and will be a worthy opponent.


The Demons have final four aspirations and need to maximise the benefit of their “fortress” in winter weather.