As we reach Round 5 in the Pennant season we can start to see how things are progressing for all of our teams.
On Saturday morning the Grade 1 women’s teams all look to have tough matches but should they have a win things will be looking rosy.
Kate Antosik’s Grade 1 team is currently on top of the ladder but play an experienced Essendon team that are always dangerous while Stephanie Serafidis’ Grade 1 team has the unenviable task of playing a Delahey Rec team that includes Viktorija and Monica Rajicic.
Alana Parnaby’s Grade 1 team has had a fairly slow start to the season but can really kick things along when they play the top of the table Dendy Park No 2 this weekend. A win would put them into the top four.
In Grade 2, Kate Francis’ team is sitting in second spot but take on the top side from Essendon on Saturday. This should be an intriguing battle between two sides that have the ability to win the grade.
Melanie Kempson’s Grade 2 side has a tough road trip down to Geelong but has the ability to get the win which would them right back in the frame for the top four while Cindy Tamber’s Grade 2 team has a tough against the top side in their section in MCC.
Jade Sheary’s Grade 3 team has started the season well and will be looking for a win after having the bye last weekend. They will host Essendon and will be confident going into the match.
In Grade 4, Zoe Potter’s young team is poised for a much deserved win and hopefully it comes this weekend when they travel to Geelong while in Grade 6 Angela Woodruff’s team will be looking to get their first win of the season when they take on Royal South Yarra No 1.
The afternoon matches kick off with Matthew Nickels’ Grade 1 side travelling down to Dingley for the tough encounter with last year’s champions. The boys will be primed to put in a strong performance against the best team in the competition.
James Gardner’s Grade 1 team will be hoping to get their second win on the board when they host MCC while Lewis Karapanos’ Grade 2 team will travel across to Royal South Yarra for a winnable match with our local rival.
In Grade 5, Dean Seeley’s team will host Fitzroy for the chance to really cement a spot in the top four while Bryce Mitchelson’s Grade 5 team will be looking to do the same when they travel out to Ferny Creek.
The Men’s Open Doubles Grade 1 teams will both be looking to get wins on the board this weekend with Chris Straford’s side travelling to take on St Mary’s while Ric Mitchell’s side will host Heatherdale.
Graeme Heath’s Masters 50+ A Grade team will travel out to North Ringwood in search of a second win to entrench themselves in the top four while Gordon Hammet’s team will face off with Royal Park No 2 who is currently one spot behind them in third spot on the ladder.
In the Masters 50+ B Grade, Doug Bell’s team has the chance to jump up into the top four when they host Royal Park on Saturday.
The Sunday afternoon matches begin with Connor Di Marco’s Grade 3 side hosting Nunawading No 2 in a match this talented side should win which will keep them in touch with the top four.
Peter Ikosidekas’ Grade 3 team is currently second on the ladder and they will look to improve that record when they travel to Nottinghill Pinewood to play the bottom side.
In Grade 5, Harrison Young’s side is coming off their first loss but bouncing back may be difficult as they face off with the top side from Wantirna. A win will give them plenty of belief that they can go deep into the finals this year.
Thomas McKay’s Grade 7 team has started the year well despite losing two matches. Both losses were by slim margins and they remain very competitive at this level and will only improve as the season goes on. This weekend they travel to Yallambie and a win would be great for this young group.
Another team to have started the season in good form is Greg Seers’ Grade 9 team and a win this week will entrench them in the top four. The team will host St Mary’s in a match between fourth and fifth on the ladder.
The Club’s Grade 10 side, captained by Lachlan McAndrew, is currently two from two and these youngsters are off to a flying start in their Pennant careers. This week they head out to North Ringwood and a third straight win is definitely possible.
Good luck to all of our Pennant players for Round 5!
