By Simon King

After a big round of hockey last weekend, which tipped the Wimmera Hockey Association season over the halfway point, all teams will enjoy a week off while

several locals participate in the junior state championships.

With no games locally, the focus will be on the junior state championships in Bendigo and Shepparton – the pinnacle tournament for underage players in Victoria – featuring under 12, under 14, and under 16 divisions for both girls and boys.

Eight Wimmera players will play, representing teams from the North West Lightning and South West Eagles’ zones.

Two other Wimmera players will play in the under 18 championships,   in late September.

In round eight action, the Tigers retained their grip on top of the ladder after a big win over Nhill Rangers, but hold only a two-point advantage over the Hoops, who accounted for Kaniva.

The Tigers will have to keep winning if they are to claim another minor premiership.

Six points back sit the Cobras, two points ahead of the Hurricanes, who had a bye on Saturday, making up the top four.

Rangers are several wins behind the leaders, but when they have their best team on the pitch, they have looked dangerous, so they cannot yet be dismissed from finals’ contention.

The three teams occupying the top half of the women’s ladder all registered wins with Yanac defeating  Nhill Thunderbirds, Kaniva beating Warracknabeal, and Dimboola Roos coming out a one-goal winner over Horsham Jets in the closest match of the round.

Yanac leads the ladder with six wins from eight matches, two points ahead of Kaniva and Dimboola Roos, who both have five wins and a draw. Horsham Jets make up the top four, one win behind.

Thunderbirds and Warracknabeal are facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the finals, and if they are to challenge, they will need to make their move soon.

Places are also close at the top of the under 16 ladder, with Yanac Warriors holding the top spot despite playing a draw with the third-placed Nhill Leopards, and Kaniva are just two points adrift of the leaders following their big win over Warracknabeal Revengers.

Horsham Bombers are looking at home in the top four after a close win over Dimboola Kangaroos on Friday evening, but with a 10-point margin between fourth and fifth, both the Revengers and Kangaroos will struggle make finals.

Round eight results

 Open: Yanac Tigers 10 (Goals, J. Cramer 3, T. Alexander 2, J. Honeyman, R. Croot, S. Alexander, B. Alexander, R. Mackley; Best, Z. Dorrington, R. Croot, J. Cramer) d Nhill Rangers 0 (Best, B. Tischler, C. Schultz, L. Marra). Warrack Hoops 4 (Goals, O. Bennett 3, S. Schultz; Best, O. Bennett, I. McPherson, C. Baldock) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (Best, J. Bedford, A. Wallis, N. Krelle)

Women: Yanac Women 4 (Goals, C. Alexander 2, C. Dickinson, S. Croot; Best, E. Alexander, M. Mackley, S. Hedt) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (Best, K. Clark, T. Cuming, C. Rowe). Kaniva Women 6 (Goals, I. Williams, N. Hutchins, J. Wallis, H. Pearse, J. Braisby, S. Braisby; Best, L. Stimson, J. Wallis, H. Braisby) d Warracknabeal 0 (Best, E. Eichberger, K. Johns, Madisson Bentley), Dimboola Roos 1 (Goal, K. Marlow; Best, C. Hadzig, J. Hauselberger, K. Marlow) d Horsham Jets 0 (Best, L. Schilling, H. Werner, S. Schwarz).

Under 16: Nhill Leopards 0 (Best, D. Clark, O. Bone, T. Bee) drew with Yanac Warriors 0 (Best, Asher Zanker, S. Pedie, L. Cramer, A. Cramer), Kaniva Raiders 10 (Goals, C. White 5, F. Dodson 2, L. Krelle, J. Beattie, I. Hall; Best, C. White, F. Dodson, L. Krelle) d Warrack Revengers 0 (Best, E. Williamson, S. Williamson, J. Ward), Horsham Bombers 3 (Goals, H. Mackereth. H. Di Pietro, J. Schwarz; Best, J. Schwarz, H. Mackereth, J. Di Pietro) d Dimboola Kangaroos 1 (Goal, J. Ward; Best, J. Ward, R. Hadzig, A. Pretorius, V. Ward).

Under 12 Development Program: Dimboola Kookaburras 3 (Goals, R. Hadzig 3) v Horsham Black Hawks 2 (Goals, H. Mitchell, J. Mackereth). Nhill Bandits 4 (Goals, D. Bee 2, B. Cannell 2) v Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (Goals, M. Dart, E. Alexander). Kaniva Rampagers 2 (Goals, L. Williams, L. Doyle) v Warrack Avengers 1 (Goal, C. Peters).

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