MOOROOPNA V KYABRAM
Mooroopna will be looking to take a step closer to securing the double chance with a top two finish on the ladder when it hosts the 11th placed Kyabram.
The Cats were able to bounce back from their loss to Echuca by proving too strong for the Shepparton Swans.
Defender Dayna Williams was outstanding for the Cats. She won the Blue Ribbon Medal for best on court in the 37-goal win against the Swans.
It was a massive statement win after its loss to reigning premier Echuca the previous round, and at same time put a huge dent in the Swans’ slim finals aspirations.
The Bombers were highly competitive in what can only be deemed horrible conditions to play netball in last round. They pushed the Demons all the way, going down by four goals.
The goal for the young Bombers is to try and have some little in game wins against the highly fancied Cats.
They will look to Abbey Waasdorp, Steph Higgins and Jayda Richardson to continue their good form to take up the challenge to the highly fancied Cats.
Tip: Mooroopna.
MANSFIELD V TATURA
Mansfield has been arguably one of the big improvers of the A-grade competition in 2024. After going through two fruitless seasons, the Eagles have won four games this year, including last round when they got across the line by four goals at Benalla.
Shooters Alex Ball and Molly Rekers have enjoyed really strong years for the Eagles. They will again be important along with Amy Dixon-Reilly, Nelle Cousins and Darcy Croxford-Demasi.
Tatura had a really good game with Rochester last round, sneaking home by four goals.
Julia Clarke was strong in the attacking third for the Bulldogs while Elsie Boyer was important through the mid-court.
Molly Kennedy and Emma Quinn were others that were important for Tatura when the Tigers charged home.
The Dogs should have too much depth to let this game slip through their fingers as they continue to build their form towards getting themselves ready for the finals.
Tip: Tatura.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON
Euroa will be looking to bounce back when it takes on another premiership fancy in Shepparton.
The Magpies were defeated by 18 goals at Echuca last round while the Bears came from a goal down at three quarter time to sneak past Seymour by four goals. The ladder leading Magpies were quickly out of the blocks against the reigning premier, but it wasn’t able to maintain it for the four quarters.
The loss would have given the Euroa coaching group plenty to think about ahead of the finals.
Sophie Owen was outstanding through the mid-court, shooter Olivia Morris stood up in goals and Kellie Davidson was reliable as ever in the centre.
Ellie Warnock’s battle with Kim Borger could well determine the winner of this contest while Hannah Crawley and her defensive team-mates will have their hands full trying to contain Morris up the other end.
This will be a really good contest, but I am going for Euroa to bounce back to the winners’ list.
Tip: Euroa.
SEYMOUR V ECHUCA
Echuca will be looking to continue its stretch of wins when it makes the trip south down the highway to take on Seymour.
The reigning premier had another statement win at home when it inflicted Euroa’s second defeat of the home and away season last round. Coach Belinda Lees was thrilled by the win but at the same time a little stunned by the final margin.
“They (Euroa) started well. In, fact both teams did. It was goal for goal. We would get a few ahead then they got ahead,” she said.
“By the time we had warmed into the game we got out to a good lead, so not sure what happened.
“The girls are just enjoying playing with each other. They are loving it, getting fit and relishing every chance at taking the court together.
“I think they are excited at what is brewing and what could happen.”
Echuca was able to hold the highest scoring team (908 goals) to a losing total of 36 while helping itself to 54 goals.
Part of that was due to the team defence.
“Yes, it is great to have Lauren (Jones) and Ash (Mangan), but Steph (Vick) and Greta (Pearson) played a crucial role to do their job which helped those two girls,” Lees said.
“It was formidable and great.”
Lees is another reason for the run of wins since round 5.
“I just love playing with Holly (Chadwick) and Lily (Devlin). They are fun, they are listening and cherish taking the courts with us,” she said.
“Holly is improving every week and belongs out there. Nice to see that she is making that her spot.
“She is strong and is only going to get better.”
The multiple premiership player and reigning premiership coach said the group is really working hard for more success.
“We aren’t having fun unless we are playing our roles,” she said.
“Even the bench supports us. There is no selfish attitude within the team and we are wanting to make each other look good.”
Asked whether playing a tough block of games leading into the finals is a good thing and Lees says you just adjust to whatever the situation is.
“We have had Seymour, Mooroopna, Euroa and then back to Seymour,” she added.
“You adjust your training load and manage it accordingly, but glad to have the tough games.”
Tip: Echuca.
Note – Round 16 is a split-round with more previews to follow
