By SIMON KING

Wimmera Hockey Association action returns to Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday and results could have far-reaching ramifications.

In open division the three top teams are matched against the three bottom teams, but the round will be far from predictable.

Nhill Rangers will struggle against the strength of Yanac Tigers, and Dimboola Burras will have to bring their ‘A’ game when they take on Horsham Hurricanes.

On the artificial surface at Dimboola, the Burras would go into the game as favourites, but on grass the Hurricanes, needing to win to remain in the finals hunt, will be in with a good chance.

Even second-placed Warrack Hoops are not a certainty against Kaniva Cobras, who also need an unexpected win to climb into the top four.

The feature game in the women’s competition will involve Horsham Jets attempting to cause an upset win over Dimboola Roos.

Having reclaimed fourth place with a win last weekend, the Jets need to keep winning to remain ahead of Kaniva, which takes on bottom-placed Warracknabeal.

With a boost in confidence after scoring their first goal for the season, Warrack will fight to the end with all the pressure on Kaniva, which needs the win to reclaim fourth place.

Nhill Thunderbirds have the challenge of taking on in-form Yanac and to justify third place on the ladder will be looking for a good performance.

The opening under-16 game will see Warracknabeal Revengers hoping to use their home ground advantage to defeat Kaniva Raiders and draw level with them on points.

Match of the day will be between the bottom two teams, Dimboola Kangaroos and Horsham, while Nhill Leopards could move up into third place if they become the first team in 2019 to defeat Yanac Warriors.

Despite results of all games last week reflecting ladder positions, competition was far from dull. 

After three full-competition byes in the past eight weeks, the association has entered a seven-week uninterrupted run to the finals. 

Results –

Open: Dimboola Burras 4 (goals, J. Parly, Z. Slater-Collard, L. Geary, C. Baldock; best, T. Jorgensen, B. Tischler, J. Tischler) d Nhill Rangers 1 (C. Hauselburger; S. Bone, Mont Miller, Murray Miller); Yanac Tigers 6 (N. Alexander 3, L. Reichenbach, J. Cramer, T. Alexander; N. Alexander, T. Alexander, S. Alexander) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. Williams, D. Cole, A. Wallis); Warrack Hoops 2 (S. Schultz, D. Cosgrave; M. Williamson, B. Williamson, R. Brown) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (R. Slater, R. Mueller, C. Dodson).

Women: Dimboola Roos 7 (A. King 2, E. Klinge 2, P. Williams 2, J. Hauselberger; E. Klinge, J. Hauselberger, B. McMaster) d Nhill Thunderbirds 2 (S. Walker, S. Allen; E. Murden, K. Farquharson, H. Cannell); Yanac Women 2 (M. Farmers, S. Alexander; E. Alexander, M. Farmers, S. Alexander, N. Harding) d Kaniva Women 0 (S. Williams, E. Hicks, L. Shurdington, H. Williams); Horsham Jets 6 (L. Schilling 3, Q. Williams 2, S. Foot; R. Batchelor, L. Schilling, Q. Williams) d Warrack Women 1 (R. McNamara; R. McNamara, K. Krahe, M. Bentley).

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