Nyora's Tobi Burzacott handballs out of congestion against Trafalgar earlier this season. The Saints will be hoping to climb another rung of the ladder at Catani on Saturday.
by Davyd Reid
HAVING ticked off a win over a lower ranked rival last week, Nyora will eye off another opportunity to climb a rung of the ladder in round nine of Ellinbank District football.
The Saints staved off a challenge from Nilma-Darnum last week and could build further should they defeat the next team up in Catani away at Taplins Rd.
Should the result at Yarragon fall their way, the Saints could end the round in sixth on the ladder.
The improved Blues should present another challenge; however, the visitor will be keen to continue their build.
FOR the first time this season, the Ellinbank District competition will see a twilight fixture.
A quirk in the junior fixture will see a bumper day of football between the Panthers and the Cats at Yarragon, with the Warragul District Junior Football League games taking place before the EDFNL fixtures.
The senior match between Yarragon and Neerim-Neerim South will commence at 4.25pm.
A big win to the Cats last week saw them continue their build into the season and push into the top three, while Yarragon's loss to Poowong pushed them outside the top five.
The Cats should be favoured to continue their strong form.
NILMA-DARNUM will enter its clash with Poowong searching for its first win.
The Bombers got close again last week and won't discount their chances against a travelling Magpies outfit.
Poowong climbed into the top five last week and should have a slight edge, given determination to keep the spot.
TRAFALGAR will look to build on its percentage when hosting a Longwarry side who has struggled to compete with the leading sides.
The Bloods sit fourth, but with a considerable percentage gap to the top three teams. A big win here will ensure they don't fall away from the leading pack.
Longwarry enter the contest fresh off the bye and has shown an ability to score in matches against Nilma-Darnum and Nyora.
The Crows will need to carry their best form to match Trafalgar.
ELLINBANK travel to Lang Lang.
The Eagles will be favoured to take another big win, after comfortably accounting for Trafalgar last week.
Currently sitting ninth on the ladder, the Tigers look to be taking a step backwards before being able to move forward under new coach Daniel Fry.
The Tigers will hope for a competitive showing at home but should find Ellinbank too strong.
BULN BULN have the bye.
