Arrows on target in title hunt

AS State League netball reaches the halfway point of its season, AYC-Friends Arrows are on top of the ladder with 16 points with a winning streak that started in 2015.

Northern Hawks, Karana Flames and Kingston round out the top four having all won six games and lost two. Cripps Waratah are still in touch with the leaders having won four and lost four, and Cavaliers are still a slim chance with three wins and four losses.

Burnie Tigers, Devon and OHA round out the bottom of the ladder.

In Round 10 action, Arrows take on Cripps tonight in what is an important match for Cripps if they wish to improve their finals chances. With the young Cripps side still improving every week, they will have to be at their best to overcome the firepower of Arrows.

AJ and Zoe Gough have been in scintillating form in the defence circle, with the team only having had 240 goals scored against it so far this season — nearly 100 fewer than any other team in the competition.

And with the likes of Sophie Gunn, Kate Prins, Hayley Sansom and Natasha Shirley all capable of excellent shooting, the team is generally quick to punish turnovers.

Kingston takes on OHA tonight and will be looking to avenge last week’s disappointing loss to the Northern Hawks. OHA will be striving to be competitive against Kingston with four strong quarters.

Hawks are coming off a big win over Kingston last week and Devon faces a tough test. Hawks lost two games early to Arrows and Karana Flames, but last week’s performance shows the side has been working hard on its intensity and defensive pressure.

Cavaliers will be looking to return to the winners’ circle and keep their slim finals chances alive when they take on Burnie this week. Arrows v Cripps at Hobart Netball and Sports Centre tonight, 8.05pm. Kingston v OHA at Kingborough Sports Centre tonight, 8.05pm. Devon v Hawks in Devonport tomorrow, 6.35pm. Burnie v Cavaliers in Ulverstone tomorrow, 6.35pm.