This year’s Warrnambool and District league season is only six rounds in but is already delivering plenty of surprises and compelling storylines.
In the senior football, round seven looms as one of the most intriguing rounds yet.
Allansford, the only undefeated team left, face reigning premier Nirranda in a blockbuster contest.
The powerhouse Blues have the wood over the Cats in recent times and will be confident they can get the job done after their dominant showing against Kolora-Noorat in round six.
Tim Nowell’s Cats are undefeated for a reason though and continue to rise to the occasion, week in, week out.
Should they knock over their opponents they surely would claim the tag of early premiership favourites.
Seventh-placed Dennington versus fifth-placed Kolora-Noorat should also be a good battle between two clubs near one another on the ladder.
A win to either could be the difference between playing finals or not at the end of the year.
The Power would love to bounce back from a heavy loss to the Blues while the Dogs will be hungry after a missed opportunity against Timboon Demons.
In the A grade netball, the Cats’ clash with Nirranda should also be a cracking contest.
The Cats have been mighty impressive this year under new playing-coach Jess Rohan and have found themselves in third spot on the ladder.
The undefeated Blues, under new coach Maddie Hunger, are flying after back-to-back flags and again look the team to beat.
Meanwhile, Russells Creek will fancy itself a good chance of picking up its second win when it plays Panmure, who is still searching for its first victory.
South Rovers take on Old Collegians in the remaining fixture which should make for good viewing in both the football and the netball.
Matt Hughes
Journalist
Warrnambool Standard
Has there been a Warrnambool and District league season so well set-up after the first five rounds in recent memory?
The evenness and competitive nature of the football and netball competitions this season have been apparent, with strong crowds and a vibrant atmosphere making for a healthy league.
All eyes turn to the night fixture at Reid Oval where reigning premiers Nirranda and Kolora-Noorat do battle in football and netball, with not a lot separating the two sides in what looms a blockbuster affair.
On the footy field, the Power have been a real surprise packet, winning four games so far while the Blues are seemingly going along again beautifully as they set up a tilt for another flag.
In A grade netball, the Blues are also in ominous touch but the Power are the kind of side who could ruffle some feathers and will fancy their chances of an upset.
Panmure and Merrivale is a fascinating match, particularly on the football field with both teams showcasing some impressive form but not quite hitting their straps.
The Tigers are well rested after the week off and could get a few back and would be snarling after a loss the round prior.
Allansford is well placed to keep its unbeaten run alive when it hosts South Rovers, while Old Collegians and Russells Creek loom an interesting affair on both the footy field and netball court.
Down at Timboon, the Demons will be hoping to celebrate Tom Hunt’s 300 game milestone in style with their first win of the season against Dennington, with the Dogs hoping to get through a tricky road trip with the four points.
It will also be an interesting battle on the netball court with both groups in the frame for finals. Both teams have been impressive this season, have a strong healthy list to choose from and know how important the match is.
It’s going to be an exciting round of footy and netball and another potentially season-shaping afternoon.
Nick Creely
Sports Journalist The Standard
Australian Community Media
Round 4 completed, and we are heading into Round 5. Wow!
The ladders are starting to take shape as we continue to
play through the rounds, the competitions remain relatively wide open
while players continue to show their skills and determination on the football field and netball court.
Umpire’s week, is coming up, on May 6 -12th. this is also a reminder the umpires for both Football and Netball should not be abused for decisions made in a game. Many of the umpires volunteer their time and effort into making our games happen and all players, club officials, and spectators need to respect the role the umpire plays in making the match happen in both Football and Netball.
Over the next couple of weeks, we will be acknowledging the Club Volunteers. Volunteers are the lifeblood of all small community organisations and without them Football and Netball across our region would not happen. We owe a great deal to these volunteers. THANK YOU.
The future Rising Stars in both football and netball are also being acknowledge over the few weeks. Its great reading about them and what their future and goals are.
Congratulations on the Junior netball Players that are going to represent the WDFNL at the Western Association Netball Championships being held in Ballarat in June. There was an overwhelming number of junior netballers that tried out and I congratulate you all. Congratulations to the Coaches – Steph Townsend, Kim Jamieson and Tanya Suggett on your position and good luck during the netball champs.
After many years, we have a football Junior Carnival returning. Over the last few weeks, the junior footballers have met at Allansford for training sessions. Congratulations to Tim Nowell the Under 17 Coach and Corey McLaren the Under 14’s Coach. Under 17 will be playing at Alexander Park in Portland and Under 14’s at Heathmere. They will be completing against Hampden, SWDFNL, and Wimmera Leagues. Well done, to all the junior footballers that made the teams and good Luck on Sunday 5th May.
Have a great day of football and netball
Kylie Murphy