UNITED V SWANS
This promises to be a cracking game of netball between these two cross-town rivals.
United and the Shepparton Swans started the season with defeats.
The Swans lost by 10 goals to Mooroopna while last year’s runner-up was beaten by Shepparton.
Despite the defeats, both teams no doubt took plenty of positives from the contest.
I think it will be the Swans in front at the final whistle.
Tip: Swans.
TATURA V MANSFIELD
Tatura will look to make it two wins on the trot when it welcomes Mansfield to the kennel.
Bulldog coach Fiona Boyer would have been thrilled by how well her team clicked against Echuca last weekend to record a resounding win.
Mansfield struggled to go with a red-hot Euroa last weekend and the long trip to Tatura will make it a major hurdle for them to overcome as it searches for its first win of 2023.
With the Bulldogs set to get stronger with the potential inclusion of Molly Boyle, I think they should be able to take the win.
Tip: Tatura.
MOOROOPNA V SHEPPARTON
This is a clash of the titans and two of the teams I expect to be there when we get to September.
Both had statement wins in the opening round, the Cats getting past the Swans by 10 goals and Shepparton proving too strong for last year’s runner-up to the tune of 22 goals.
This should be a fantastic contest and no doubt the winner will have bragging rights in the premiership pecking order.
Tip: Shepparton.
SEYMOUR V ROCHESTER
Reigning premier Seymour made the best possible start to its title defence when it skipped past Benalla last weekend. Rochester made a winning start as well thanks largely to a fast finish which would have pleased coach Linda Rasmussen.
Mid-courter, Eloise Cuttriss was brilliant in the win last weekend by containing Bombers’ coach Elivia Hall and if it can get support from Charlee and Ella Roulston in the midcourt, then the Tigers will push the Lions.
But ultimately it will be the experience and class of the Lions which will see it prevail in the final wash up.
Tip: Seymour.
KYABRAM V ECHUCA
Both of these teams will be looking for their first win after suffering defeats in the opening round.
Kyabram was good value in its narrow loss to Rochester, only going down after losing the last quarter while Echuca was well beaten by a much-improved Tatura unit.
Echuca still has plenty of experience in its line-up and coach Belinda Lees will be turning to those girls to lift them over the line against a Kyabram team that will look to Elivia Hall through the mid-court and Jayda Richardson in goals.
Tip: Echuca.
EUROA V BENALLA
Euroa will be looking to remain unbeaten when it welcomes the winless Benalla.
Playing coach Ellie Warnock was able to rotate her starting seven in last week’s big win over Mansfield while Benalla had a tough afternoon against the reigning premier.
The Pies are expected to be one of the real contenders this season and Warnock knows the importance of not dropping these games if it wants to be taken seriously as a premiership contender.
With that in mind, I think the Pies will be too strong for the visiting Saints team.
Tip: Euroa.
