KERANG v WOORINEN
WITH just a draw to show from their first three games, Kerang are quickly running out of opportunities to press their claims for a leap into the top five, especially after last Saturday’s shock loss to the Raiders.
The Blues’ opponents on Saturday, Woorinen, haven’t fared much better, with their only win coming by four goals over NNW United in round 2.
Last Saturday’s defeat to Cohuna put the Tigers behind the pack in the race for the five.
Kerang will welcome goal attack Carla Walker back into their line-up in a much-needed boost to their attacking third.
With Walker’s inclusion, much could depend on the availability of Woorinen’s champion goal defender Tess Demaria, who missed last weekend’s loss to the Kangas.
Tip – Kerang to win by two goals.
BALRANALD v TYNTYNDER
BOTH Balranald and Tyntynder are expected to be at full strength when they face off in an all-important clash at Greenham Park.
Returning to the court after last weekend’s bye, the Roos are expected to welcome back defender Grace Morton and midcourter Brie Galvin.
The Bulldogs will also be at full strength when Monica Ellis slots back into wing defence after missing last Saturday’s loss to Lake Boga.
After contending with Sarah Hepburn and Katie Carmichael last Saturday, the Bulldogs defensive pairing of Nicola Miliano and Bridgette King will face another tough assignment opposed to Jess Parry and Ella Mirtschin
At the other end of the court, Balranald’s Elli-Jane Pollard, Bree Hodgson and Morton will need to be at their best against in-form goalies Bridget Dedini and Kelsey Rowe, with the defensive combinations of both teams set to decide this match.
Tip – Balranald to win by five goals.
COHUNA KANGAS v TOOLEYBUC-MANANGATANG
COHUNA will be aiming to make it three wins on the trot when they host Tooleybuc-Manangatang.
The Kangas have started 2024 in fine form under new coach Georgia Anderson, climbing into the top five for the first time this season with last weekend’s win over Woorinen.
The home side will be favourites against a young Tooleybuc-Manangatang, who continue to improve week to week, with Olivia Fowler, Ella Foley, Jayda Plant and Summer Blachford continuing to show positive signs in their development.
Cohuna are also improving with every match, as evidenced by Carly Geary quickly stamping her authority on the defensive third with her ability to intercept and disrupt the opposition’s final pass into the ring.
With Kobie McIvor set to return to Cohuna’s line-up after missing last week, the Kangas should prove too strong and keep their winning streak going for another week.
Tip – Cohuna to win by 10 goals.
LAKE BOGA v KOONDROOK-BARHAM
AFTER their shock win last Saturday, Koondrook-Barham will be face the toughest challenge in Central Murray netball when they meet premiership favourites Lake Boga.
Making the River Raiders’ task all the harder will be the loss of Rumbalara pair Sophie Atkinson and Jess Bamblett, who will return to their home club after last Saturday’s one-off game in the tri-colours.
Their legacy could be a sharp boost of knowledge and confidence for Koondrook-Barham’s young players such as Ella and Abby Hall and Remy Doyle, who will now know what it takes to win at the senior level.
The Magpies, on the other hand, will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season, with a full-strength squad likely to continue to hone and develop their combinations across the court.
Tip – Lake Boga to win by 30 goals.
