NETBALL
NORTH GIPPSLAND
IT will be a battle of the fittest and a challenge to maintain a top-five position for Traralgon Tyers United when they host Yarram in a showdown between fifth and seventh this weekend.
The Demons will hit the road after a 13-goal loss at home to Heyfield at the weekend while TTU had a close win over Cowwarr at the weekend, claiming the four points with a one-goal win.
Yarram coach Stacee Staley said despite the poor win-loss record over the past few weeks, the Demons were keen to keep their finals hopes alive.
“We haven’t had the best last few weeks but we did beat [TTU] last time so hopefully we will win,” Staley said.
“We need to win this game to keep our finals hope alive so it could be a very challenging game.
“They’ve improved since the start of the season and have bet [sic] some quality teams so to match that is going to be tricky.”
Yarram’s goal attack Chloe Finn has been a champion in recent weeks, playing with a sprained ankle to ensure the team can field a side.
“We don’t have anyone else really so we’re relying on her to help us out on the court,” Staley said.
“It was disappointing – we’re not playing like how we were at the start of the season but we’re trying to address those concerns.”
TTU coach Jennifer Duncan said the home-court advantage would help the Bombers secure a win.
“We will be looking to make amends for our loss earlier in the season and taking home the points,” Duncan said.
“Our second half of the season is proving much better and the girls are becoming more and more confident each week within themselves and as a team.”
Rosedale v Churchill
Rosedale will return home this weekend after a promising 14-goal win over Gormandale at the weekend.
The Blues sit on top of the North Gippsland A grade ladder, undefeated, and 14 points in front of second-placed Churchill.
Churchill will hope to continue to improve on their performance after a draw with Sale City on Saturday.
Rosedale coach Stacey Scott said she expected the clash to be a close encounter against a well-balanced side.
“We only won by a goal that game and I guess this time around it’s going to be just as difficult and challenging,” Scott said.
“We’re going pretty good as a unit but we have a few injuries in the midcourt which threw a spanner in the works and required a bit of adjusting.
“Our main wing attack (Megan Harrison) and our main wing defence (Sarah Mayman) are both out injured so obviously that is disrupting our flow.”
Scott said her side would need to get off to a quick start against Churchill and maintain their intensity and defensive pressure if they are to win on Saturday.
Sale City v Woodside
Sale City will have the upper hand over Woodside this weekend when the Wildcats travel up the highway to take on the fourth-placed Bulldogs.
Woodside coach Kristy Lucas said the side was keen to take on the “fast paced” side in Sale City who drew with Churchill at the weekend.
“[We] will aim to slow them down with defensive pressure that aided their win last week,” Lucas said.
“We’re also hoping for the return of key defender Jacqui Irving.” Irving has been off the court for two weeks due to illness.
The Wildcats sit eighth and head into the game after a four-goal win over Glengarry on Saturday.
Glengarry v Cowwarr
Glengarry will have the unenviable task of hosting Cowwarr this weekend after losing to Traralgon Tyers United by one goal on Saturday.
The Magpies sit ninth and have won only two games this season, compared to the Saints who sit third and only four points off second place.
One would think the Magpies could use the home-court advantage to nab their third win of the season but it could prove difficult against the in-form Saints.
Heyfield v Gormandale
Heyfield will host Gormandale in the final North Gippsland A grade game of round 14.
The Roos sit sixth, just two points outside the five, and have finals netball in their sight.
Cellar dwellers Gormandale sit last on the ladder and could use the opportunity to get their second win of the season.
