By Trevor Jackson
HATHERLEIGH V ROBE
Hatherleigh hosts Robe in Round 13 of Mid South East football, in a second v fourth clash.
Robe slipped down to second place after last week’s loss to Port MacDonnell and would surely like to claim another victory and a chance to return to the top of the table.
First the Roosters have to account for a hot Eagles roster, which has been begun to find the form which took it all the way to the big dance last season.
This clash could certainly be billed as the match of the round and should provide plenty of entertainment for those in attendance.
Back in Round 4 Robe claimed an easy win over Hatherleigh, but it is fair to say the Eagles have shown far more intent since then.
Tom Hutchesson was a notable omission from that lineup, with the star on-baller now showing the form he is well known for.
Patrick Chay is making inroads into the goal kicking ladder, now in fifth place with 28 majors for the year.
His numbers were boosted after last week’s bag of five, with plenty of support up forward.
While Robe comes off that loss, plus the round previous against Kalangadoo, the Roosters did welcome coach Nathan Brown back onto the ground in Round 12 with an immediate impact of three goals.
Go back a few rounds and even without Brown, the Roosters accounted for Tantanoola with a stinging 79-point victory, with Egan Regnier and Kaden Woodward slotting home three majors each.
It shows Robe has plenty of options up forward, with a mid-season slump no surprise.
It is hard to see the Roosters dropping another game, but if the Eagles can get their game going, they will certainly push for the premiership points.
