NETBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
Cowwarr coach Ebony Galea admits the A grade side will have a fight on their hands this weekend when they travel to take on Heyfield.
The Saints sit third on the North Gippsland ladder, behind second-placed Churchill and ladder leaders Rosedale who claimed a 10-goal win over Cowwarr at the weekend.
Galea said a win this weekend was essential to maintain a top three spot heading towards the latter part of the season.
“The girls felt that it was a really good game; they don’t think the scoreboard reflected how well they played,” she said in response to Saturday’s loss.
“I think we were just beaten by a better side on the day.”
Heyfield sit sixth and head into the game following a 20-goal win over eighth-placed Woodside.
“Heyfield are the dark horse this season, being that you can’t take it for granted that you’re going to come away with the win again but we’re quite confident we will,” Galea said.
“Each week there’s different players that really stand out for us but I’d have to say Keely Bourke is the most consistent player. She plays awesome every week.”
It comes as Galea celebrated her 300th game of senior netball for the Saints in round 11.
“It’s an achievement and obviously if I didn’t have any kids it probably would’ve been around the 300 mark,” Galea said.
Rosedale v Yarram
Rosedale remain on top of the North Gippsland ladder undefeated after dominating the first half of the season on the court.
The Blues take on Yarram this weekend at home in a game that is likely to go down to the line.
Yarram coach Stacee Staley said she was pleased with her side’s development this season after a 13-goal win over Gormandale at the weekend.
“Everyone played well as a team and that helped secure the win,” Staley said.
“We just had a person who does specialist training come down at the weekend to try and fine tune a few a things, in particular our defensive pressure.
“Our defensive pressure has been OK but we need to improve, there’s lots of room for improvement and that’s mainly due to a complete new defence this year.”
Rosedale head into the game with good form and a team which has been largely unaffected by injury this year.
“We lost to Rosedale last time but we’ll try our hardest to beat them, it’s likely to be our biggest test this weekend,” Staley said.
TTU v Woodside
Traralgon Tyers United coach Jennifer Duncan has her sights set on this weekend’s clash after a one-goal loss to Sale City at the weekend.
The Bombers sit seventh on the ladder, moving down a spot, after fifth-placed Sale City stormed ahead in the final quarter last week to take the points.
Duncan said it would be another tough game for the Bombers this weekend but acknowledged the home court game as an advantage.
“After a win and a one-point loss to the start of the second half of the season, I know we will come out fighting and look forward to taking the win to keep our hopes alive for the most important part of the season,” Duncan said.
Woodside coach Kristy Lucas said TTU were a “highly skilled side” who should not be underestimated.
“We will be looking for redemption after a narrow loss in round three as well as a very disappointing performance against Heyfield last weekend,” Lucas said.
“Our side will be looking to increase their work rate through the midcourt and ensure they have plenty of drive onto the goal ring.”
Churchill v Gormandale
Churchill will host Gormandale this weekend in a second-versus-10th clash which could go the way of the Cougars.
Gormandale have won just one game this season, compared to Churchill who sit two points above third placed-Cowwarr.
It will be a must win game for the Cougars if they are to maintain their top-three position.
Glengarry v Sale City
Sale City will hit the road to Glengarry this weekend after a one-goal win over Traralgon Tyers United in round 11.
The last-minute win will have the Bulldogs on a high, ready and prepped for the weekend ahead.
The Magpies sit ninth on the ladder with two wins, compared to Sale City who sit just inside the five and equal on points with fourth-placed Yarram.
