The coming weeks will drastically shape the state of play as season 2018 of the Orange and District Football Association reaches the business end of the season.
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Reigning premiers Millthorpe Tigers lead the race to the title, but aren’t short on challengers to their top spot.
Sitting in first place on 43 points, Tigers have two clubs hot on their heels, with Waratah FC and Barnstoneworth United on 41 and 39 points respectively.
The Tigers play both challengers in the coming fortnight, with second-placed Waratah FC heading to Redmond Oval this Saturday for a top-of-the-table clash, with third-placed Barnies United travelling to Millthorpe the week after.
Millthorpe defender Trent Bielefeld said the Tigers were looking forward to testing themselves against the competition’s best over the coming weeks, blowing out the cobwebs with a 7-2 win over Barbarians on the weekend.
Bielefeld said an even spread of goal scorers – six players found the back of the net – and control of tempo was a positive sign.
“We controlled the game and attacked well, we didn’t get ahead of ourselves,” he said.
“We’re feeling good, we’ve got a strong couple of weeks coming up but we’re hoping to go well.”
He said the Tigers were in a different position this season – they’ve jumped into first this week – after storming home in the final weeks last season.
“You’re not going to see too many seasons like last year … it’s nice to know we’re in the mix,” he said.
“I think the competition is much stronger this season than it was last year … any of the top four could beat any of the others on their day.”
The Tigers also still have the bye to come in the final round, meaning they have played an extra game than their rivals.
While those three sides have all but locked away a finals berth, fourth spot is still up for grabs for up to four sides – Barnstoneworth FC, CYMS, Waratah United and Saints Turbulence.
Barnies FC are in the box seat, sitting in fourth six points clear of young challengers CYMS – a win is worth five – but Barnestoneworth FC have the bye this weekend and then face CYMS and Saints Turbulence in the fortnight after that.
Those clashes will give both clubs a chance to leapfrog Barnstoneworth FC into the top four and make a late run akin to Millthorpe in season 2017.
The ODCA’s combined B/C grade is also close, with just six points separating fourth and seventh on the ladder, with Barnstoneworth United B and Ex-Services staking out first and second places respectively.
Finals kick off in the first weekend of September.
Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
