AN unpredictable Gormandale outfit will require a consistent four quarter effort to hold a rebounding Yarram at bay in the second half of North Gippsland’s split round 12.
Dropping the points for the first time this season on their home turf at the weekend, the Demons found themselves short of the mark against Traralgon Tyers United.
The Demons have won just one of their last three matches to arrive at a 7-4 win loss ledger.
Yarram sits outside the five by a mere 1.53 percentage points behind next round’s opponent Heyfield, followed by a clash with another top side in Rosedale.
With a tough fortnight ahead the points are immense for the Demons, who will meet a Tigers line-up out to restore some pride following patchy play against the Kangaroos.
Heyfield v Cowwarr
HEYFIELD returned to the winners’ circle with a stellar performance against Gormandale to move back into the five and keep its finals pulse beating.
Returning home, which has not been a happy hunting ground in past rounds, the Kangaroos will host Cowwarr who felt the full effects of the reigning premiers after quarter-time at the weekend.
The Saints will take comfort from their effort against Heyfield last time around, however with clashes against Yarram, Sale City and Rosedale over the course of July this is a must win for last year’s grand finalist.
TTU v Rosedale
TTU is flying high after knocking over Yarram for the second time this year.
The win saw the Bombers leapfrog into third position, and now face the side directly above them in Rosedale.
Bombers coach Jay Neagle will concentrate on his side’s plan and nothing more ahead of the clash.
“I like to just worry about our game, and not worry about the opposition too much,” Neagle said.
“If we play the best that we can and put in 100 percent and get beaten then that’s all I can ask for.”
Praising his young list’s improvement, Neagle is upbeat on the side’s prospects.
“I am pleased with how we are going and it is a credit to all the players that have bought in this year and are continuing to work hard and learn as well as having fun, it is important to get that balance right,” he said.
The corresponding round four encounter saw the Bombers held goalless until mid-way through the second term, a scenario Neagle will surely address.
