THE battle of this season’s big improvers, Inglewood and South Bendigo, highlights round seven of BBD pennant on Saturday.
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Both teams have already won more games than they did last season, with their emergences having been two of the big storylines of pennant in 2016-17.
After losing its first three games, South Bendigo has made its charge up the ladder with three-straight wins to now be within eight points of the top four approaching the halfway mark of the season.
South made a massive statement last Saturday with its two-shot win over reigning premier Bendigo East and should now have the confidence that it’s capable of beating any opposition.
Inglewood has lost its past two games to Bendigo (12) and East (58), with this shaping as a key game against an opponent that will no doubt be eyeing off its position in the top four.
Should be a ripper contest given the strong form of South Bendigo, while Inglewood has proven a tough proposition on its home green.
Last time: Inglewood 91 tied South Bendigo 91.
Since 2005: South Bendigo 5; Inglewood 2; Tied 1.
Tip: South Bendigo by 9.
• Castlemaine hosts Bendigo in what’s a match pitting two top-four teams against each other.
Bendigo, which has won its past three games by a combined 92 shots, has opened up a 12-point break at the top of the ladder.
But it will be put to the test on the carpet of Castlemaine, which is coming off its first all-rinks win for three seasons against Kangaroo Flat last week to keep hold of its position in the top four.
Last time: Bendigo 109 def Castlemaine 87
Since 2005: Bendigo 14; Castlemaine 8.
Tip: Castlemaine by 3.
• Reigning premier Bendigo East will be out to inflict more pain on Golden Square when they meet at Lansell Street.
It has been a tough season for Square, which is 0-6 with an average losing margin of 17 shots and must now confront the Beasties, who will be fired up to bounce back from last week’s upset two-shot defeat to South – their second loss of the season.
Last time: Bendigo East 107 def Golden Square 84.
Since 2005: Bendigo East 13; Golden Square 7.
Tip: Bendigo East by 36.
• Eaglehawk should continue its surge back into the season at home against Kangaroo Flat.
After a slow start, the Hawks have started to get rolling with back-to-back wins and are now within 14 points of the top four.
They should be far too strong at home for the battling Kangaroo Flat, who they have won 19 of their past 24 games again.
Last time: Eaglehawk 105 def Kangaroo Flat 68.
Since 2005: Eaglehawk 19; Kangaroo Flat 3; Tied 2.
Tip: Eaglehawk by 27.
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• LADDER:
Bendigo – 84, +133
Inglewood – 72, +14
Bendigo East – 71, +86
Castlemaine – 62, +45
South Bendigo – 54, -36
Eaglehawk – 50, -4
Kangaroo Flat – 21, -135
Golden Square – 18, -103