All eyes will be fixed on the Greenham Park netball courts as Balranald and the Mallee Eagles do battle to decide second spot on the Central Murray Netball League A Grade ladder on Saturday
Very little separates either club, with both entering the game on six wins (28 points) and separated by percentage only, with the Roos currently holding the advantage.
The Eagles have been in steadily building towards their best form in recent weeks, with a strong 17-goal win over the much-improved Cohuna Kangas prior to the Queen’s Birthday bye, which came on the back of a dominant 37-goal win over Tyntynder the week prior.
Balranald, on the other hand, will enter the must win game fresh, have not played since their hard-fought seven goal win over Woorinen 21 days ago.
The one-on-one battle between Roos coach Jess Parry and Eagles Goal Defence Meg Allen will be a highlight, with both players crucial to their respective teams structure. But it will likely be the midcourt battle that will decide the contest.
Balranald youngsters Bree Hodgson, Bonnie Jolliffe and Taylin Barry will take on Tayla Anderson, Alicia Harvey and Sonya Lorenzoni in a crucial battle between the goal circles.
The other game of significant interest on Saturday will be between ladder leaders Swan Hill and Nyah-Nyah West United – with the Demons out to cause an upset and maintain their top five position in the process.
The Swans have as potent combination as any team in the competition and are well led by Madeleine Nalder (GK) and Ingrid Condely (GA) at opposite ends of the court, as well as possessing perhaps the most damaging mid-court group of Kelsey McCoy, Zoe O’Sullivan and Karli McIntyre.
Demons coach Laura Anderson, Shania Decker and Teina Lusty will all need to be at their best.
If United happen to fall to the Swans, it will be the Cohuna Kangas who will be hoping to pounce and jump into the top five – although they will likely have their hands full against the Anna Archie-led Lake Boga.
Boga were lucky to escape with the points against Tyntynder at their last outing and will be hoping for a far stronger showing against a much tougher opponent on Saturday. The key match-up will likely be in the centre, with Archie set to face off against Annie Toma. For Cohuna to have any chance of victory, the must keep the dangerous Archie quiet and negate her ability to link the MagpSave ies defence with their attack.
The final game of round 10 will see the winless Koondrook-Barham host reigning premiers Woorinen, in a game the Tigers will be hoping can help resurrect their finals aspirations.
Woorinen are currently in rebuilding mode following an extended run as the competition yardstick, but could still move within just four points of the top five if they win on Saturday.
