SHEPPARTON UNITED V MOOROOPNA
Two of this year’s premiership contenders will lock horns with the stakes high with the winner going into second on the ladder.
Mooroopna currently sits in second place ahead of its rival by percentage both on 44 points.
United comes into this game off the back of a big win over its arch rival Shepparton, which was led by a best on court shooting performance from Jessie Barnes.
Barnes was outstanding and she was ably supported by Sophie Garner and defender Laura Cole.
This trio will have a big job on their hands and coach Kara Blizzard will be hoping they can dominate again.
The Cats were pushed all the way in the first part of the split round, eventually getting past Kyabram by nine goals.
Leading the way in the win was Bree Hanslow, Shelby Britten and Elle Brooks.
If these girls can get involved and have an influence on the contest, then the Cats will be right in the contest.
Not much will separate these teams at the final whistle, and it will come down to who can get their goals in.
I am going for the Demons as a thriller.
Tip: Shepparton United.
ROCHESTER V BENALLA
Mathematically both of these teams can play finals if they can get on a roll and string some wins in a row.
Both come into the contest off the back of strong wins in the second part of the split round.
Benalla sits a game outside the top six while Rochester is six points adrift of sixth placed Shepparton.
The Tigers were able to adjust without regular shooter Morgan Dignwell who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Coach Rachel Whipp moved the versatile Maddie Egglestone into the attacking ring, while A-grade debutant Poppy Palmer took up Egglestone’s usual position as goalkeeper.
Mid-courter Charlee Roulston was outstanding in the win over Mansfield, and she will be looking to continue that form along with Ellie Cuttriss who was able to have an influence in the win over the Eagles.
Benalla coach Kellie Keen lead from the front in the big win over Tatura.
If she can continue that form and get the support of Sally Washfold and Chloe Hill, the Saints will keep the pressure on the sixth placed Bears.
Tip: Benalla.
MANSFIELD V SHEPPARTON
Shepparton needs to keep winning to ensure it qualifies for the finals.
And it gets an opportunity to bounce back from its loss to arch rival Shepparton United when it takes on the winless Mansfield.
Mic-courter Jacinta Todd, defender Ash Cann and shooter Ella Sidebottom will be the key Bears that will need to lead from the front to curb the influence of Grace Hood, Ellie Kipping and Isabella Riley as the home team looks to cause an upset and win its first game of 2022.
Tip: Shepparton.
ECHUCA V TATURA
Echuca will be looking to bounce back onto the winners’ list to keep its top two aspirations alive.
While Tatura will be desperate to chalk up its second win of the season as it looks to bounce back from defeat at the hands of Benalla.
The home team need to turnaround its loss from the first part of the split round and coach Steph Vick will look to Belinda Lees, Bianca Willis and Jac James to lead the way while the Bulldogs will look to Steph Smith-Gorrie, Elise Boyer ad Molly Kennedy to try and inspire the visitors.
Tip: Echuca.
SEYMOUR V KYABRAM
Seymour will be looking to consolidate its place at the top of the ladder when it welcomes Kyabram.
Kyabram is only playing for pride but that said Elivia Hall and Chicky Vick have been two shining lights for them.
They will be looking to lead the way and take the match to the all-conquering and well-balanced Lions.
Ellie O’Sullivan and Jessica Lallo were outstanding in goals to ensure victory when the game was called off in the third quarter last round against the Swans.
I think if the shooting duo can get enough supply, then that should be enough to help the Lions bank another four points.
Tip: Seymour.
EUROA V SHEPPARTON SWANS
Euroa will be looking to build on its last start win over Echuca when it takes on the Shepparton Swans.
The Swans will be desperate for victory to run in contention to play finals.
But to do so, they will need to do everything right from here and they will most likely have to do it without key player Klarindah Hudson who hurt herself in the loss to the Lions last round.
On the other hand, Euroa will look to Kellie Davidson, Tylah Marchbank and Bree Poole to continue their good form and curb the influence of Hannah Garner, Shinea Sali and Sophie Atkinson.
Tip: Euroa.
