THE Criterion Hotel Singleton Greyhounds have the job ahead of them this weekend with the First and Reserve Grade sides travelling to Scone for a Saturday afternoon clash against the Thoroughbreds and the Under 17’s playing Cessnock at Cessnock on Friday night.
The Bradken First Grade side had enjoyed a break at the top of the competition table until the last two rounds, with a draw against Aberdeen and loss to Greta Branxton, now seeing them equal leader with Scone. Scone will be difficult at home, as always, and a mounting injury toll could not have come at a worse time for captain coach Brad Grant.
Russell Richards is still out with a calf injury, Jamie Garland is in doubt due to a facial injury sustained last weekend and Ben Thorley could also be unavailable due to an ongoing ankle injury.
Steve Warburton will definitely come into the squad for his first top side game of the season, with further changes likely depending on player fitness. He will be a key player with his ability to break the line in attack and create havoc when defending.
Michael Millgate will be keen to keep his former teammates at bay and he will relish Warburton’s return to the side.
A likely side is: Tommy Ernst, Jamie Garland, Eddie Smith, Daniel Kisi, Al Harris, Trent Green, Jake Smith, Steffan Ryder, Corey Duncan, Luke Holz, Scott Matthews, Zac Solman, Brad Grant, Kurt Neely, Ben Thorley, Cheyne McIntyre, Ed Fisher, Steve Warburton.
The Moore & Baxter Reserve Grade will also meet Scone and will be looking to resume their winning ways after last weekend’s loss. With the makeup of the side not likely to be determined until Friday it will be important for Geoff Simpson, Leigh Langdon and Kirk Solman to lead this side to a victory.
With a good mixture of youth and experience this side has all the necessary attributes to repeat last season’s premiership success. Clint Evans and Brendon Landers have been in fine form this season and they are developing a dangerous attacking combination with Kirk Solman, which should provide plenty of headaches for opposition defences between now and September.
The much-anticipated return to football by Brad Schultz will occur having served his suspension from last seasons First Grade Grand Final. If injuries continue to rip through the First Grade squad Schultz may even make a comeback in First Grade.
A likely side is: Clint Evans, Tom Cox, Geoff Simpson, Scott Williams, Pat Barry, Brendon Landers, Kirk Solman, Christian Kirby, Brad Cooper, Cliff Newling, Daniel Higgins, Leigh Langdon, Ben Thompson, Luke Campbell, Brad Schultz, Tom Cooke, Ashley Sonter, Jason Moore.
The Singleton Tyre and Battery Centre Under 18 have the bye.
The Radiator Express Under 17s will travel to Cessnock on Friday night to meet the Goannas. Most of the side will experience the big ground atmosphere of Baddely Park for the first time and they will be eager to return to the winners list after last Saturday’s disappointing loss.
Cessnock at home should be a different proposition to the side that played at ResCo Park, and there will more than likely be a vocal crowd on hand to cheer for the locals.
It will be important for the Singleton defence to watch the play around the ruck area.
A number of players are struggling with injuries and Coach Mark Newman is likely to utilise a few of the 17’s who have been playing in the 18’s to cover any losses.
A likely side is: Matthew Yates, Lachlan Gulliver, Charles Shaddock, Pierce Murray, Jordan Ball, Zac Howlett, Josh McNamara, Josh Rinkin, Nick Cox, Max Willis, Mitch Roddam, Beau Anderson, Ryan Morgan, Tom Osland, Lachlan Picton, Mitch Ashford, Sam Wilkinson, Jordan Duxberry.
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