By Glen Atwell
SPRINGVALE Districts and Lyndale will contest the Springvale RSL Cup this Saturday in the Star Match of the Round.
But don’t predict the outcome of the game based on last week’s form line.
Springvale smashed Murrumbeena by 135 points, while Lyndale received a 100-plus point hiding at the hands of division two powerhouse, Dingley.
Springvale coach Stephen Hughes said the Springvale RSL Cup was a great initiative of the neighbouring clubs and hoped spectators would turn out for the local derby.
“It’s the sort of thing you play for. Springvale RSL is a major sponsor of both the clubs involved,” he said.
But Hughes expected the Pumas to bounce back strongly from their heavy defeat.
“Last year we let our guard down and lost a game against Murrumbeena that cost us a spot in the finals,” he said.
“This year, quite simply, the guard won’t be coming down and last week’s results don’t mean a thing.”
Lyndale coach Paul Wilson expected a strong showing from his young side, which will include a couple of debutant players.
“We have lost two of our best midfielders, Scott Miller and Russell Weeding, with season-ending knee injuries in the past fortnight,” he said.
“So the focus is to get some fresh talent into the side and work hard for the rest of the year.”
Prediction: Springvale are still burning after missing the finals last year and the injury-ridden Lyndale side could be in line for their second consecutive belting. But don’t underestimate the pride of the Puma. Springvale to win by 75 points.
