By Trevor Jackson
Round 5 of Mid South East football kicks off this weekend, with some interesting contests set to play out.
Tantanoola v Glencoe
First up Tantanoola hosts Glencoe in what is an important contest for both sides.
Both sides come off big losses in Round 4 and will want to put their season back on track.
Tantanoola went down to an impressive Hatherleigh, despite a determined first half.
While the scoreboard suggested the Eagles were on top, the Tigers certainly made them earn their first-half advantage.
Tantanoola sits down in seventh place on the ladder with just one victory this season.
That could change this weekend but they will certainly need to throw everything at the Murphies if they are to prevail.
Glencoe will look to regroup after a big loss to Robe on their own home deck.
While the first quarter in the Round 3 clash was low-scoring, with a rain squall crossing the venue and creating slippery conditions.
The Murphies struggled, without a major score in the opening term and the Roosters simply went on from there.
The Murphies’ other loss this season came at the hands of the benchmark Kalangadoo in the opening round.
They would certainly like to record another victory to remain in touch with the pointy end of the field, now sitting fifth on the ladder.
In a tight contest Glencoe should do enough to claim the points.
Nangwarry v Port MacDonnell
Nangwarry is still searching for that elusive victory and will have another chance on Saturday against Port MacDonnell.
The Demons have started their season at a steady pace, similar to last season where they peaked at the business end and claimed the premiership.
Despite that, they have only lost one game from their three hitouts.
That was to last year’s runner-up Kalangadoo.
Both Kongorong and Mount Burr pushed the Demons but they were able to hold on and claim the honours despite the pressure.
The Saints have started without a win after four outings but have showed some renewed vigour.
They went down to Tantanoola in the opening round in a tough hitout which almost yielded a win.
They also pushed Glencoe right to the final siren, with just a couple of goals separating the two sides.
The Demons can not take this one for granted and are sure to throw everything at the contest.
The reigning premiers should do enough to claim the win and the Saints will have to wait for another day for their first victory in 2022.
Robe v Kongorong
Robe will be riding the wave of success after last week’s big win over Glencoe, while Kongorong also tasted success against Nangwarry.
The Hawks head up to the seaside venue to face a tough home side and will be hard-pressed to return victorious.
The win against the Saints last round was comfortable but it was the Round 3 clash against Mount Burr which showed a bit more promise.
For three quarters the hawks were in the contest but let their game slip in the final quarter and lost by a fair margin.
If they can show that same intent for four quarters against Robe they could well return with the points.
However, Robe began the season with a bye and once underway in earnest showed they are up for the challenge.
They comfortably disposed of Tantanoola, before succumbing to a tough Hatherleigh outfit, then hit their straps last week against Glencoe, claiming a big win.
On their home deck the Roosters should have enough to account for the visitors and remain right towards the pointy end of the ladder.
Mount Burr v Kalangadoo
A tough round faces Mount Burr, despite being its second home game in a row.
The Mozzies welcome the benchmark of the competition in Kalangadoo and the Magpies appear set to go through the season again undefeated.
So far the Magpies have taken all before them, with three convincing victories from three outings, including a big win over the reigning premiers Port MacDonnell.
The Mozzies struggled in the opening two rounds but seemed to find some form recently, with a strong win over Kongorong in Round 3, followed by a close loss to the Demons last weekend.
However, the Magpies appear a class above at the moment and will claim the points without too many issues.
