Netball Previews R15

By Sam Saracino

SHEPPARTON UNITED V EUROA
This will be a fantastic game between two teams set for the finals in September.
Both will be keen to continue winning form to ensure the best possible finish at the end of the home and away season to give them the best chance to claim the premiership.
United come into the contest off the back of an impressive win over Mooroopna.
That will no doubt give the Demons plenty of confidence going into the contest with Euroa.
Euroa had a gritty five goal win over the Shepparton Swans last weekend without its coach Ellie Warnock.
She will be desperate to get back on the court and if she is available, she is a big in as the visitors look to do the double over the second placed Demons.
Sophie Owen played an outstanding game through the mid-court, goaler, Karly Wappett played great in goals while Bridget Hill was steady in defence.
If they can all continue that form and keep the likes of young Dee defenders Laura Cole and Oliva Kirby in check and not let them drive the ball forward without any pressure, then the Pies will feel confident of victory.
That said, if mid-courter and coach Kara Blizzard and Sophie Garner can feed star shooter Jesse Barnes, then I think the Demons will win.
Tip: Shepparton United.

BENALLA V MANSFIELD
Both teams are playing for pride as we begin the final countdown to the end of the home and away season.
Only a month (4 rounds) remains until finals.
Mansfield will be desperate to breakthrough for its first win while Benalla will be trying to finish off its season with as many wins as possible.
Ellie Kipping, Nelle Cousins, Dempsey Parsons and Grace Hood in her 100th game this week will be doing their best to lead the way for the Eagles. While Kellie Keen, Kelsey Pallpratt and Sally Washfold will be trying to set the tone for the home team.
Despite Benalla being on the end of a loss to Rochester last weekend, I think it can bounce back to the winners’ list.
Tip: Benalla.

TATURA V ROCHESTER
The season can’t come to an end quick enough for Tatura while Rochester will be desperate to keep its winning form going to keep its finals aspirations alive.
Tatura has only had one win this season, but it showed glimpses of what it is capable of when it puts together four quarters.
It was able to push Echuca to 14 goals last weekend and they will hope Molly Kennedy and Steph Smith-Gorrie can bring some of the form displayed while representing the GVL open team last weekend to today’s contest.
Rochester jumped out of the blocks in last week’s comfortable win over Benalla.
If the Tigers get off to a flying start, it could spell trouble for Tatura.
Eloise Cuttriss, Ella Roulston and Bridgette Holt all starred for the Tigers in the 27-goal win over Benalla and if they are allowed to dictate the pace and tempo then they should win.
Tip: Rochester.

SHEPPARTON SWANS V SHEPPARTON
The Shepparton Swans remain in the finals hunt, but a defeat today could spell curtains for 2022.
The Swans were gallant in defeat last weekend, losing to Euroa by five goals.
Coach Courtney Simpson will be hoping her girls can put together four quarters after producing two really strong quarters last weekend.
Ash McMahon, Harriet Gall and Hannah Garner were the standouts last weekend, and the coach will be hoping they can continue that form.
Shepparton coach Treacy Brereton will be warning her girls to be on their game. She knows a win today takes them a step closer to the September action.
I think the experience of Jacinta Todd and Ash Cann might prove the difference in the final wash up.
Tip: Shepparton.

MOOROOPNA V SEYMOUR
Mooroopna will be desperate to bounce back to the winners’ circle when it welcomes ladder-leader Seymour.
The Lions are on top, having only lost the one game this season, in the opening month, to Euroa.
Mooroopna sits third and its top two aspirations will be put to the test against Seymour, Euroa and Echuca over the next month.
Coach Di Hanslow will welcome the challenge of playing the better teams as she prepares them for September.
She will look to her daughter Bree Hanslow through the centre to try and get on top of her opponent to give the Cat attackers, led by former Demon Sarah Bohn, the chance to unsettle the stable Lions defence.
At the other end, Maddison Wong at wing defence will play a crucial role for the Cats.
If she can play well and limit the ball getting into the Seymour attacking circle to Jessica Lallo, then they will be a chance of victory.
The other challenge the Cats will face is limiting the influence of Casey Adamson.
Adamson has been able to set up plenty of drive from the back half of the court for the Lions. If she is allowed to do that again, it could spell trouble for the Cats.
For mine, the Lions look too settled and will win this game.
Tip: Seymour.

ECHUCA V KYABRAM
Echuca will be looking to continue its push up the ladder with another win.
The Murray Bombers currently sits in fifth place, and they will play in the finals.
Coach Stephanie Vick will be urging her girls to make every post a winner in this final month of games, starting against Kyabram.
The Bombers are only playing for pride, and they will look to Hollie Reid, Jemma Hall and Chicky Vick to lead the way for them.
Belinda Lees was best-on in game number 50 for her side in the 14-goal win over Tatura.
She was supported by Bianca Willis and Jacquie James who starred in the mid-court and goals respectively.
If this trio is allowed to get on top and dictate, then the Murray Bombers should win comfortably.
Tip: Echuca.