By Lincoln Edmunds
@LincolnEdmunds
ROUND 4 PREVIEW
Lyndale V Cerberus (Barry Powell Reserve)
V
Lyndale have discovered some form over the past two weeks and head into this clash at home looking to extend their winning streak. The Pumas looked very dangerous in attack last weekend, slamming on 20 goals in three quarters in a dominant display against Dandenong. Their opponents Cerberus, have had a sluggish start to the season with untimely lapses costing them a few games thus far. Although they are yet to feature on the winners list, the Pumas cannot afford to treat the Dogs with disrespect come Saturday.
The Pumas forwards feasted on goals last weekend with Shane Thomas bagging seven and Trevor Kumetaitis snagging six of his own. The Dogs should be particularly wary of Kumetaitis who has now slotted ten goals in the past two games. However stopping the Pumas forwards will be easier said than done after the Dogs struggled to keep Moorabbin forward Dylan Bone in check last weekend. If it is a similar scenario come the weekend, it’ll be hard to see Cerberus getting over the line.
Lyndale by 21 points
Sandown V Dandenong (Edinburgh Reserve)
V
Neither side is yet to register a win thus far but this clash presents a great opportunity for both sides in what shapes up as a fascinating contest. Adding to the intrigue of this matchup is the wild inconsistences both sides have shown between their best and worst football. If both teams are switched on and bring good intensity this match could be a cracker.
Sandown came up against a red-hot Carrum Patterson Lakes on enemy turf last week and fought admirably in the first half before fading away later on. Whilst there is no easy game in the competition, they will be hopeful for a bit of respite when they return home to face the Redlegs.
Dandenong were given a bit of a touch up against Lyndale last weekend but will be looking to put that behind them with a great opportunity to make amends against the Cobras. They are a tricky side to read at the moment but if they recapture the effort shown against Moorabbin a few weeks back, don’t discount them here.
Having said that, Sandown have been slightly more consistent and playing at home the Cobras should be fired up and claim their first win of 2018.
Sandown by 12 points
Frankston Dolphins V Carrum Patterson Lakes (Overport Park)
V
Match of the Day
Although the Dolphins came up short last weekend, this clash shapes up as the pick of the round with two teams near the top of the ladder. The Dolphins dream start to the competition hit its first little bump last weekend with a narrow away loss to Lyndhurst under lights. They’ll be looking to regroup and put that result behind them when they face table toppers Carrum Patterson Lakes on Saturday.
The Lions showed their strength last weekend with a comfortable 57-point victory over Sandown, despite only winning two quarters of football. The final margin, notwithstanding the relatively patchy performance, shows just how much improvement CPL have in them and they’ll be determined to stamp their authority against the Dolphins.
Brenton Rafferty booted seven majors for the Lions last weekend in a performance that will certainly keep the Dolphins defenders on their toes. The Dolphins have lots of ammunition of their own nonetheless, with Andrew Lee in good form and Luke Kirkland continues to hit the scoreboard.
This is a really difficult game to predict as both sides are quality outfits and will be around the mark come the pointy end of the season. CPL might just pinch this one!
Carrum Patterson Lakes by two points
Moorabbin Kangaroos V Lyndhurst (Widdop Crescent Reserve)
V
Moorabbin’s perfect start to the season continued last weekend as they held off a competitive Cerberus outfit by 14 points. The Roos have played some solid football thus far and will no doubt be thrilled to be 3-0 and sitting pretty near the top of the table. However Lyndhurst will pose a huge threat to their unbeaten start, with the Lightning building nicely after knocking off Frankston at home under lights last weekend.
Facing one of the form teams in the competition, Lyndhurst were able to produce consistent team football and kept themselves at arm’s length for the majority of the game. A similar performance against another top team in Moorabbin would be the expectation from the coaching staff, as the Lightning seek to produce another four-quarter effort.
Jarryd McGrath and Jesse Walia have been in good touch for the visitors and Moorabbin will be sure to keep a close eye on them. The Lightning defenders attention will most certainly be honed in on Dylan Bone, who has two bags of six majors this season so far. Shutting him down will definitely go a long way to returning home with a win.
Another tight tussle is to be expected here but if Lyndhurst show the same form as last weekend they’ll be hard to beat.
Lyndhurst by 10 points.