By Sam Saracino
ECHUCA Vs. MOOROOPNA
This promises to be a cracking game of netball between two teams who are well in the mix for this year’s premiership.
Both come into the contest off the back of victories last weekend – Echuca had a fought win over arch rival Rochester while Mooroopna was too strong for Mansfield, taking home a 59-13 win.
Danya Williams, Shelby Britten and Elle Brooks all performed well, with the convincing win keeping the Cats in the top four and they will be eager to retain some breathing space on the sixth placed Shepparton.
The Murray Bombers will look to Jac James in defensive third to set up some attack and to do that she will need the support of mid-courter and coach Steph Vick.
If those can have influence on the contest that should provide the supply to Greta Pearson and Bianca Willis to put together a winning score. Tip: Echuca.
SHEPPARTON Vs. KYABRAM
This is a big game for Shepparton as it looks to stay inside the top six.
Kyabram was outplayed by a well drilled Shepparton United last weekend.
Seymour did likewise to Shepparton, winning comfortably after a strong start to the contest.
Coach Tracey Brereton knows the importance of a good start to ensure the visitors don’t get any advantage.
For the Bears, Ashlee Cann, Caitlin Hill and Abigail Rowe stood out in last weekend’s loss and they will be important if the home team is to get the points today. Tip: Shepparton.
TATURA Vs. SHEPPARTON UNITED
Tatura is yet to recapture the form which lifted it to sixth placed when the season ended last year.
The season started with a loss and unfortunately, they haven’t been able to recover.
And, it doesn’t get any easier today when up against Shepparton United.
The Demons currently sit at 6-2 and coach Kara Blizzard will be reminding her girls to stay on task today from the first whistle.
For mine, the Dees are a well-balanced unit and it will be the depth of their squad that sees them past the home team. Tip: Shepparton United.
ROCHESTER Vs. SEYMOUR
Rochester faces a massive challenge when it welcomes the red hot and ladder leading Seymour.
The Tigers gave as good as they got last weekend against Echuca, going down by seven goals.
The Lions were ruthless in pushing past Shepparton.
They jumped out of the blocks and that’s what set up the big win.
If Casey Adamson and Nakita Singe are allowed to control the tempo and play then coach Ellie O’Sullivan and Jess Lallo will ensure the visitors walk away with the points. Tip: Seymour.
BENALLA Vs. SHEPPARTON SWANS
Shepparton Swans is chasing a fifth straight win when it makes the trip to Benalla today.
After starting the season with four consecutive losses, coach Courtney Simpson would be thrilled with how her girls have responded during the past month.
She knows that Benalla will be no pushover, especially on its home court and if the likes of Kellie Keen, Chloe Hill and Sally Washfold are allowed to continue their good form.
That said, the Swans will be looking to take the form in which helped them overcome Tatura last weekend.
If Klarindah Hudson, Shinea Sali and Sophie Atkinson are allowed to set the tone and help the visitors jump out of the blocks, then they should make it five wins on the bounce. Tip: Shepparton Swans.
MANSFIELD Vs. EUROA
Euroa will be out to consolidate its place inside the top six when it takes on the winless Mansfield.
The Magpies were strong across the four quarters last weekend to defeat Benalla by 26 goals.
This will no doubt give the team plenty of confidence going into today.
Bree Poole and Karly Wappet were superb in goals and Bridget Hill was dominant in defence as was Tyler Marchbank with some strong intercepts.
If they can continue that form and keep the likes of Isabelle Riley, Dempsey Parsons and shooter Ellie Kipping at bay, then the visitors should claim the win. Tip: Euroa.
