Rivals chase playoff edge

WITH two rounds of State League netball remaining and the top four confirmed, Cavaliers, Northern Hawks and AYC-Friends Arrows are still battling it out for the minor premiership and the double chance come finals.

Northern Hawks are first by percentage over Cavaliers, with Arrows a game behind in third and Kingston Blues a guaranteed but distant fourth.

Cavaliers and Arrows, however, have a game in hand with Hawks having the bye in the last round. The northern rivalry between Hawks and Cavaliers is fierce and with top spot up for grabs, this weekend will be no exception.

Cavaliers suffered only their second defeat for the season last weekend against Arrows, but will take confidence into the match having won both outings against Hawks this year. Hawks are coming in off the back of an exciting secondhalf fightback against Arrows and will no doubt be looking to carry that momentum into tomorrow’s match.

Hawks coach Ruth Tuohy is looking forward to the challenge. “Cavaliers have shown they never give up, and we’ll take it a quarter at a time this week,” Tuohy said.

“Last week gave us a little bit of belief that a game is never really out of reach. The good thing for us is we have a really balanced group and everyone knows they have a role to play. With the bye in the last round it will be good to regroup and have a look at what we need to do ahead of the finals series.”

Arrows will meet Kingston tonight and will be eager to work on their connections and consistency ahead of finals.

Kingston almost suffered a shock loss at the hands of Devon last week holding on to win by one. Kingston has been unable to beat the top three and will be looking to prove they are a real finals contender against Arrows.

In the other match Cripps Waratah and St LukesHealth Karana will be playing for pride in what should be a toughly contested battle with this year’s results one apiece.