Cats surely tempted by second spot lure

Friday, July 30, 2010

Lockington-Bawawm United (LBU) faces the prospect of a must-win game on Saturday against Mt Pleasant to shore up a top-two spot.

The Cats sit in second place on the ladder with a healthy percentage, while the match between third-placed North Bendigo and fourth-placed Elmore tomorrow works in their favour.

The Cats meet sixth-placed Mounts this week and fifth-placed White Hills next week before finals start.

But, LBU coach Kahl Oliver said this weekend could decide the placement of the top five teams.

``Obviously we have to win and Elmore play(s) North Bendigo, which should decide who finishes third or fourth out of them,'' he said.

``It's quite even at the top with the other teams, which is good for the comp.

``We have just got to get the points. That's the objective this week.''

The Cats are coming off a 19-point loss to Elmore last week, which followed four straight wins.

They have not lost two games in a row since mid-2009 and have no intention of doing so this week.

Mt Pleasant meanwhile copped a 104-point belting last week from ladder-leaders Heathcote and has won only one game from its past three outings.

``The boys will be really keen to bounce back this week and get the win,'' Oliver said.

``They know the importance of this week to getting second. There is something on the line.''

The signs point to an LBU win, with the Cats having won their past six matches against Mounts by an average of 41 points, including a 91-point win in the wet in round eight at Lockington.

Oliver said he thought his side matched up well against Mounts.

``We have got some players who can shut down their good players,'' he said.

``We seem to do all right against them, so hopefully that can be the story on the weekend.''

LBU will welcome back star midfielder Aidy Dohnt, who was in Canberra on Vic Country duties last weekend.

Another two or three players are rated a chance to return from injury.