The combination of results sees the Tigers and Hoops both lock in a top- two finish, but keeps the three-way battle for the last two places in the finals alive for another week.
The biggest result from the women’s division was Warracknabeal Women earning their first points for the season after a scoreless draw with Horsham Jets.
The two teams are resigned to finishing in the lower two places on the ladder, but are more evenly matched than they are with any of the teams above them, which contributed to a closely fought match, with a tie being a fitting result after four quarters of intense hockey.
The leading two women’s teams entered the round locked on both points and goal difference, and after the Dimboola Roos defeated Nhill Thunderbirds by four goals and Yanac defeated Kaniva by three, they remain on the same points, with Dimboola now just ahead with a one goal better goal difference.
While there were no positional changes on the under-16 ladder after Nhill Leopards defeated Dimboola Kangaroos to remain on top, the Warrack Revengers remain hot on their heels after a win over Horsham Bombers. Third-placed Kaniva Raiders and fourth-placed Yanac Warriors played out a scoreless draw.
It will be a big day at Yanac on Saturday as not only will the host club be welcoming back many former players and supporters for the ‘Back to Yanac Hockey Club’ function, but on the field, several teams will be competing to keep their chance of playing finals alive, while others are still jostling for the prime positions to mount their assault on the premiership.
The biggest match of the day in open competition on Saturday will feature the top-of-the-ladder clash between Tigers and the Hoops. Both are already locked in to meet again in the semi-finals at the end of the month, and while this week’s result will not influence their place in the finals, with a record of one win each in their two meetings so far this season, the psychological advantage of a win on Saturday will not be lost on either team.
The other open match will have a totally different level of pressure as the Hurricanes must win if they are to have any chance of progressing to the finals, and the improving Rangers can confirm their place in the finals with a win.
Despite having the bye, Kaniva Cobras will hold their place in the top four for at least another week.
The big game in the women’s division will see the Roos take on Kaniva.
The Roos are currently on top of their ladder and need to keep winning if they are to maintain their slender lead over Yanac in the race for the minor premiership.
Although Kaniva is comfortable in third place, it needs to perform well against the teams above if they are to seriously challenge in the finals.
Nhill Thunderbirds should be too strong for Horsham Jets as they look to fine-tune their game plan, and Yanac will show no mercy towards traditional rivals Warrack Women as they strive to overtake the Roos at the top of the ladder.
With the order of the top four in the under-16 competition still up in the air, recent form suggests the Warriors and Revengers should be the closest game this week.
The Leopards should retain their grip on top spot for at least another week with a win over the Bombers, and although the Raiders will find the Kangaroos a serious challenge, they should add to their seven wins and stay within reach of a top two finish.
Round 12 results –
Open: Yanac Tigers 3 (goals, S. Farmers, T. Alexander, B. Alexander; best, B. Alexander, H. Pedie, T. Alexander) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (A. Wallis, L. Krelle, N. Dickinson). Warrack Hoops 2 (S. Schultz, C. Baldock; B. Williamson, C. Baldock, S. Schultz) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (C. Hassall, D. Jochinke, J. Di Pietro, W. Gulline).
Women: Yanac 3 (E. Alexander, N. Harding, C. Alexander; E. Alexander, A. Zanker, A. Farmers) d Kaniva 0 (I. Dickinson, H. Pearse, B. Knoll). Warracknabeal 0 (E. Williamson, O. Knoop, E. Bull) drew with Horsham Jets 0 (K. Besselaar, L. Schilling, V. Ward). Dimboola Roos 4 (B. McMaster, E. Baldock, A. Askin-Klinge, J. Hauselberger; B. McMaster, T. Clark, J. Hauselberger, A. Baker) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, C. Shurdington, B. Cannell).
Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 0 (L. Williams, J. Beattie, D. Stimson, A. Carter) drew with Yanac Warriors 0 (H. Zanker, A. Zanker, L. Dickinson). Warrack Revengers 9 (H. Knoop 5, S. Williamson 2, N. Eilola, C. Peters; H. Knoop, S. Williamson, C. Peters) d Horsham Bombers 0 (K. Besselaar, J. Mills, H. Di Pietro). Nhill Leopards 4 (D. Bee 3, B. Clark; B. Clark, D. Bee, A. Marra) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (C. Elliott, R. Hadzig, A. Pretorius, R. Wallace).
Development program: Kaniva Rampagers 0 v Yanac Lowan Stars 3 (E. Alexander, L. Reichenbach, A. Reichenbach). Warrack Avengers 1 (S. Camilleri) v Horsham Black Hawks 0. Nhill Bandits 2 (H. Albrecht, M. Chequer) v Dimboola Kookaburras 3 (L. Hauselberger 2, C. Wallace).
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