Round 15

Round 15 has some very exciting encounters. There are some many possibilities to come at the end of this round.

Just a note as well, The Devonport V Burnie United game has been changed back to regular times if any one was going to watch that clash.

Prospect V Somerset Sharks 2:30pm Prospect Park

In a vital game for both clubs this should be an absolute cracker. With the Sharks narrowly beating the Knights in round 1, Redemption would be on the cards. The Knights would be full of confidence after a great win over cross town neighbour Launceston City last week demolishing them 5-1. Andy Compaign has found his straps that he is known for and the Sharks will need to keep a close eye on him, But also veteran Shaun Harris has made his return and also was on the scorers sheet last week. Ray Heald said this” We are looking forward to playing top side Somerset this week, our last encounter we were competitive for the first 20 minutes and then fell away which we have worked on as the year has progressed, no injuries from last week leaves us a full squad to pick from apart from Trent Mitchell still missing with a knee injury and Mitch Duffy Out for the season broken Leg.

Last week our first half would be the best football we have played this year  our forwards Andy Compagne and Sean Harris put away most of their opportunities hoping for repeat this week. We haven’t had the opportunity to train on our grounds this  week all closed due to the rain so they could be a little soft under foot come Saturday.

Somerset Sharks are fully aware of the out comes of this weeks game and will be looking to cement the top spot after leap frogging Devonport after loosing last week. The Sharks will be looking to control the midfield battle and supply good balls to their forwards who have found the back of the net on regular occasions this year, Ross Smith has taken a week off to go and see Man United play so this has allowed his spot to be vacant, But Somerset are yet to decide who to play as they can choose from Jimmy Nettleton, Sam Phillips –Crole and also State and NPl Champion Chris Consdine, Who has finally signed and has been included into the squad. Kevin Considine said this”. With several regular senior players missing this week the Sharks travel to Prospect in what will undoubtedly be their hardest match of the season. The Sharks will need to be on top of their game if they are to come away with any points from the highly talented Prospect team that has been ultra-impressive in recent weeks

Riverside V Launceston United 2:30pm Windsor Park

Riverside host the cellar dwellers Launceston United in what should be another fantastic game. Launceston were unlucky not to get a point from the inform Launceston and will be every bit full confidence playing away to Riverside. The only problem for United and Riverside will be licking their lips over that Shannon Rumble has had a major knee injury and may see him out for the rest of the year.

Riverside need to show that their team on paper can be as good on the field, They come off the bye and should be fresh and ready to finish of the year on a high. Riverside on their day are one of the

bench teams in the league and they will be out to prove this tomorrow. Wayne Penfold said this” This week we return after the bye to face Launceston United. In the previous encounter it was a close fought affair and United really took the game up to us and I expect this week to be no different. After a poor run of 6 defeats we are starting to get back to playing some good football and will look to build upon the performance against Rangers a couple of weeks ago.

There will be a few of changes this week due to player unavailability(apparently some team called Man United are here, whoever they are) with Corey Smith and Matt Chapman returning to the side, and the Italian Stallion Maximillian Well makes his starting debut for the Seniors.

Devonport V Burnie United 2:30pm Valley Road

This is definitely the round of great games with another on show here, Burnie the in form team and Devonport looking to rebound hard. Devonport will be keeping their hopes alive for the title this tear but may now rely on other clubs beating Somerset. NPL golden boot leader Pete Gilham will start his first V League game this week with gun Braydem Mann away as well watching Man U. This will be making Burnies mouth water knowing he is away. Devonport have built a fortress at Valley Road over the years and will keep looking to dominate at home against United. Rod Andrews said this.

” The last 2 weeks have been frustrating, as we have played well without getting the results we’d like, and while I wasn’t there last week, word has it we were beaten by a very strong Northern Rangers team. Naturally, we are keen to get some points this weekend. Burnie have had some good results of late, so it should be a tough game – depending on their squad make-up, as rumour has it that somewhere between 2 and 50  members of their NPL Squads are off to watch Man U on the weekend.

Burnie United will be with out a few senior players this week but welcome back solid defender Josh Dailey, I can say my self how much Burnie have improved since round 1 and would know that their style and confidence could them across the line this week. Ray Parke had his boys up and about last week and even though they lost their belief is growing every game. Fred Blogs said this” Another hard game this week at valley road, we played really well last week against Somerset and will be playing a similar style of game against Devonport. Josh Daily is available to play and will be pushing for his spot in the starting line-up. Trent Potts still has an injury cloud over his head and Dom Culbert still has one more week of suspension to serve.

Kick off is at 2.30.

Rangers V Ulverstone 2:30pm SUNDAY

With the Rangers hosting Ulverstone, The Reds find them selves on the road again on a Sunday due to AFL being played at the NTCA Saturday. With both Rangers V League side and NPL side playing Sunday will weaken its NPL side. Rangers had a great win against Devonport last week and will be looking to take the scalp of the in form Ulverstone. Brenden Litchtendonk said this” It is always tough to play when you Victory League side are on the same day at the other end of the state, and with a few injuries mounting up in our Victory League Side, our young players will be called upon to help deliver results.  Chris Collins from our 18s has been playing well, and will most probably be given another opportunity this week.  We are looking to build on a good run of form and continue to push in preparation for the finals.

Ulverstone will be scratching their heads after last week, Even though they took the 3 points the Reds were challenged for the full 90 minutes by United. They will need to be on their game this week to have a chance of taking the points and one would think Shaun Conkie may be back from suspension and Conner Meanie would be available.

This should also be a very high paced and interesting game to watch.

Ladder After Round 13

1	Somerset	11	10	0	1	52	9	43	30
2	Devonport	12	9	1	2	39	15	24	28
3	Ulverstone	11	8	0	3	25	13	12	24
4	Nth Rangers	12	8	0	4	24	19	5	24
5	Prospect	11	5	2	4	26	19	7	17
6	Riverside	11	3	1	7	15	23	-8	10
7	Burnie	12	3	0	9	15	35	-20	9
8	L'ton City	11	2	2	7	18	37	-19	8
9	L'ton United	11	0	0	11	3	47	-44	0