Round 7 Preview: Derby day in Bathurst
Image courtesy of Fairfax Media. Photo: Phil Blatch
The first Bushrangers derby of 2019 is upon us as the Rebels host the Outlaws on Saturday. In other games, Bathurst GIANTS host the Cowra Blues, and Parkes travel to Dubbo to face the Demons. Following Saturday’s matches, we will have reached the halfway point of the season. The ladder is starting to take shape, however it is still extremely tight at the top.
Round 5 AFL Central West Senior Women’s:
Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Bushrangers – George Park #2, Bathurst 12:30pm
The Tigers moved their home game to Bathurst and now have to face an in-form Bushrangers side on their home paddock. This should give the Bushrangers the advantage with both sides locked on 12 points apiece. Whilst the Bushrangers have strong forward options in Sonia Lang and Alora Dickson, the Tigers have firepower of their own so this could be a high scoring encounter.
Bathurst GIANTS vs Cowra Blues – George Park #1, Bathurst 12:30pm
Saturday marks the Bathurst GIANTS celebrations of Sir Doug Nicholls Round with their women’s side donning Indigenous guernseys. These guernseys, designed by Hailee Provest, and members of Goanna Good Years and DotPoint Family mentoring. The match-up against Cowra will be a great opportunity to recognise the Indigenous community and the support they provide for our game. The unbeaten GIANTS will hope the wins keep rolling as the season reaches the half-way point. For Cowra, strong performances from their top players will be required for them to add to their solitary win this week.
BYE: Parkes Panthers
Round 7 AFL Central West Senior Men’s:
Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels vs Bathurst Bushrangers Outlaws – George Park #2, Bathurst 2:30pm
The top of the table Rebels host the third place Outlaws in the battle of the Bushrangers at GP2. These games are always tightly contested matches where the scoreline doesn’t reflect the match itself. For the Outlaws, containing Timothy Hunter and Matthew Archer will be vital to keeping this game close, whilst for the Rebels, they will need to keep an eye on Alex Sparks up forward in addition to Peter Grundy and Troy Robinson through the midfield.
Bathurst GIANTS vs Cowra Blues – George Park #1, Bathurst 2:30pm
Bathurst GIANTS will be aiming to bounce back after a narrow defeat to Parkes Panthers in Round 6. Meanwhile, the Blues have had some challenges over the past month and haven’t been able to build on their Round 3 win against Parkes. With neither side having kicked 10 goals in a game since Round 3, both coaches will be looking to find that scoring touch and get the win. Paul Jenkins shapes to be the decider for the GIANTS as he continued his excellent form against Parkes whilst Chris Day has one of the Blues best over the first 6 rounds.
Dubbo Demons vs Parkes Panthers – South Dubbo Oval, Dubbo 2:30pm
Parkes are unfortunately unable to field a side for this week’s scheduled clash against Dubbo. Both teams will wait until after the Long Weekend for their next match.
BYE: Orange Tigers
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