By Ken Moore
IT IS sink or soar on Sunday at Garfield when Cora Lynn, with 11 wins from its last 12 games, meets another in-form side, Bunyip, in the first semi final.
This match pits two of the quickest teams in the competition – and both are full of midfield runners willing to work their butts off.
Cora Lynn pretty much won without turning a hair on Saturday, when it belted Warragul Industrials by 93 points. It could not have been more impressive.
There is a now a strong case to suggest the 2011 Cobras are a far better outfit than the 2010 model that went desperately close to a premiership. They appear to have a stronger sense of togetherness and more midfield run and pace.
Also, the Cobras have had fewer concentration lapses this season and do not leak goals as easily. Both teams should be at close to full strength.
Cora Lynn only has one injury concern … but it is a big one. Mercurial forward Matt Robinson has an ankle problem.
Bunyip hopes to get Michael Laszczyk, who has missed the last two rounds, back to complement its fine on-ball brigade.
With his Doveton background, Bunyip coach Callum Pattie has cultivated a strong workmanlike ethos among his charges – and they are willing to run hard and put their bodies on the line to support their inspirational leader.
The Bulldogs enjoyed the wide expanses of Beswick Street in round 17, when they were the first team to topple Garfield, and will relish the prospect of going back there.
In recent weeks, Cora Lynn has demonstrated the ability to play four good quarters – and with more matchwinners and a touch more class, these three factors swing the verdict in favour of the Cobras.
Bunyip also had a far more taxing game last week, which is likely to take the edge off it.
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