As we enter the last round of the Wimmera Hockey Association’s regular season, the semi-final matchups have been set in both the Open and Women’s divisions, but a great deal could still change on the Under 16 ladder, with all three matches to have an influence on who plays who in the first round of finals the following week.
The other highlight of round fifteen at the Dimboola Health and Fitness Centre will be the conclusion of the Development program for the season, with final matches and presentations to be held from midday, with the morning Under 16 matches commencing half an hour earlier to accommodate this.
Open
Nothing is riding on the first Open match, with the Yanac Tigers assured of top spot on the ladder and a semi-final matchup with the Warrack Hoops, who have the bye this week, and the Horsham Hurricanes unable to break back into the top four even with an unlikely big win.
The result of the match between the Nhill Rangers and Kaniva Cobras is also irrelevant in the context of qualifying for the finals, as these two are already confirmed to meet again in the sudden-death semi-final a week later, but this doesn’t make the game meaningless, as a win here will be a big psychological boost for the victor for their meeting the following week.
Women
The Women’s semi-final matchups are also set, so all three matches will be a chance for the top four teams to hone their finals plans, and the opportunity for the lower two teams to enjoy their last hit-out for 2026.
The Dimboola Roos should retain their hold on the minor premiership when they take on Warracknabeal under the lights on Friday evening, although in the unlikely event that they falter, it is still possible for Yanac to rise to the top, provided they defeat the Horsham Jets. Recent form and the desire for a successful lead into the finals should see the top two teams win comfortably.
The Saturday afternoon match between Kaniva and the Nhill Thunderbirds is the same as the clash between the teams from these clubs in the Open division, with nothing significant riding on the result as they are confirmed to meet again in the semi-finals. Form suggests Kaniva should finish the regular season with a win, but they will still have to earn it.
Under 16
The most intriguing final-round scenarios will play out in the Under 16 competition, with six different combinations for the two semi-finals still possible, depending on the results.
On Friday evening, a win by the third-placed Warrack Revengers would see them rise to the top spot overnight, but depending on other results on Saturday, they could still slip to second. A loss would keep them in third or drop them to fourth. The Dimboola Kangaroos will finish the season in fifth place regardless of the result.
The opening game on Saturday morning will be the sixth-placed Horsham Bombers’ last hit for the season, even if they pull off a victory, which is possible as they play the artificial turf well. A win for the Yanac Warriors could see them rise to second or third, but a loss would keep them in fourth.
The Nhill Leopards and Kaniva Raiders go into their game in first and second place respectively and level on points, so a victory for either will see them claim the minor premiership. A tie would see the Leopards remain on top due to their superior goal difference, but the Raiders could drop to third if the Revengers are successful on Friday evening. If either loses, they could drop to third and need to play in the elimination semi-final.
Wimmera Hockey Association - Round Fifteen Fixture
Dimboola Health and Fitness Centre
Friday 21 August
| 6.00 pm | - Under 16 | - Dimboola Kangaroos | v. Warrack Revengers
| | 7.30 pm | - Women | - Dimboola Roos | v. Warrack Women
|
Saturday 22 August
** Note the earlier start times for the first two matches
to accommodate the Under 12 Presentations a midday
| | 9.00 am | - Under 16 | - Yanac Warriors | v. Horsham Bombers
| | 10.30 am | - Under 16 | - Nhill Leopards | v. Kaniva Raiders
| | 12.00 pm | - Hookin2Hockey - Development Program -
| | - Presentation of Under 12 Awards and Certificates
| | | - Dimboola Kookaburras | v. Warrack Avengers
| | | - Yanac Lowan Stars | v. Horsham Black Hawks
| | | - Nhill Bandits | v. Kaniva Rampagers
| | 1.30 pm | - Women | - Yanac Women | v. Horsham Jets
| | 3.00 pm | - Women | - Nhill Thunderbirds | v. Kaniva Women
| | 4.30 pm | - Open | - Yanac Tigers | v. Horsham Hurricanes
| | 6.00 pm | - Open | - Nhill Rangers | v. Kaniva Cobras
|
Bye - Warrack Hoops
|
