TODAY we welcome the Huonville Lions to Boyer Oval for our second encounter of the season. We have only two games locally, starting with the Reserves at noon, followed by the Senior Men at 2pm. The Lady Eagles play University at University Oval at 9.45 am. We hope everyone enjoys today’s games and we wish all teams good luck.
SENIOR GAME
THE Seniors are enjoying an improved but frustrating season and have been competitive in most games. Although they have only won three games and recorded a draw with Hobart, they have reduced the losing margins in many games from last season. The last time Huonville and New Norfolk met, the Lions won by 36 points on their home turf. The Eagles drew with Hobart after leading by 47 points at three quarter time in their last home game and followed up with a 63-point loss to Lindisfarne on the road last weekend. On face value, it was a disappointing loss, but missing from the side that played Hobart were Jacob Wigg, Blake Mayne, Bailey Mayne and Jye Lester. In addition, we lost Josh Clifford, Jake Foster and Wade Lockley to injury during the Lindisfarne game and finished with only one fit player on the bench. We should regain those players as well as Tyron Bailey today, which will give the side a much-needed boost. We line up against the Huonville Lions who are coming off a good 31-point victory over the Hobart Tigers. It will be a tough encounter, but the Eagles are a much better team when they have their best 22 on the field. The game should be another tough encounter. I am sure the boys will be up for the contest. Let’s hope the Eagles can turn the tables on the Lions on their home turf.
RESERVES NOTES
THE Reserves are experiencing another up and down season. As is the case with the Seniors, they have been more competitive in many games this season and have won three games to date. On their best days, they are very competitive, but constant personnel changes and inconsistency are causing concerns. Today, they play the Huonville Lions who sit three games in front of them on the ladder. The last time they met resulted in a 43-point victory to the Lions on their home turf. In their last game against Lindisfarne, the Reserves were very competitive, losing by seven points with only 19 players available. There doesn’t appear to be any hope of making finals this season, but the Reserves can finish the season off on a high note by pushing clubs higher on the ladder. If they have their full list available today, they should be competitive. Let’s see if the Reserves can put in a good performance back on their home turf.
WOMEN’S MATCH
THE Lady Eagles are again enjoying a great season. They have chalked up 10 wins to date with their three losses being to Claremont, Hutchins and The Port. The Eagles sit comfortably in fourth place on the ladder on equal points with The Port, only separated by percentage, and 10 points clear of University in fifth position. Today the Lady Eagles are on the road to the University Oval to tangle with University again. The last time the two sides met, the Lady Eagles were triumphant by eight points in a very tough encounter on their home turf. University will be keen to reverse the result on their home ground, but the Eagles should again be too strong in another tough encounter.
RAFFLE RESULTS
THANKS to all who supported the New Norfolk District Football Club/Les Hepper Association Raffle, which was drawn on June 20th at the NNDFC Social Rooms. 1st Prize: Firewood to the value of $300 donated by Tristan Triffitt, winner Hayes Water Cartage; 2nd Prize: Digital Corner Fireplace Heater value $200 donated by Nigel Jones, winner Olivia Harris; 3rd Prize: Women’s Gift Basket value $100 donated by Karen Stevens, winner Joleen Ringwaldt; 4th Prize: $50 meal voucher donated by New Norfolk Hotel, winner Adrian Graham; 5th prize: $50 meal voucher donated by Star & Garter Hotel, winner Jordan Eiszele; 6th prize: Plush Cuddly Bear value $40 donated by Plush Toys Australia, winner Gayleen Crawford. Thank you to all donors and those who purchased tickets. Nigel Jones, Secretary.
UPCOMING MATCHES
ROUND 14 – AUGUST 1: Lady Eagles v University at University Oval, 9.45am. Reserves & Seniors v Huonville at Boyer Oval at noon and 2pm.
ROUND 15 – AUGUST 8: Lady Eagles v Claremont at Abbotsfield Park at 3.30pm. Reserves & Seniors v Cygnet at Boyer Oval at noon and 2pm.
ROUND 16 – AUGUST 15: New Norfolk v Dodges Ferry at Shark Park, Dodges Ferry. Reserves at 10am, Women at noon, Seniors at 2pm.
FINALS – ROUND 1: August 22.
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