Must-win game for Saints, Tigers
Edenhope-apsley is holding onto sixth spot on Horsham District league’s A Grade ladder by percentage but must beat the team nipping on its heels to stay there.
The Saints will host Pimpino at Apsley on Saturday in what both sides will consider a must-win encounter.
The Saints are coming off a bye following a loss to Harrow-balmoral, while the Tigers enjoyed a 13-goal win over Taylors Lake at the weekend.
Pimpinio led at each change despite the best efforts of the Lakers, who were best served by defender Grace Dixon and centre Jasmine Talbot.
Midcourter Shae-lea Fischer and goalie Jenelle Baker continued their run of form for Pimpinio and will need to be on song against the Saints.
Noradjuha-quantong moved four points clear of Edenhope-apsley with a comprehensive win over Jeparitrainbow, despite the efforts of the Storm’s Bridget Mckenzie and Ebony Spokes.
Bomber Georgia Francis continued her standout season in the midcourt, and is continuing to gel well with club newcomer Ash Ryan, who also made her presence felt at Jeparit. Noradjuha-quantong should claim the four points against Kalkee this week but the young Kees outfit will make the Bombers work for success.
The Kees were no match for Laharum last week but will be keen to claim an upset this season and will look to unsettle the Bombers.
Coco Ledgar did her best to stem the flow of Demons goals and continues to impress in a tough year for her side.
Panthers to push
Rupanyup will also be out to push a top-five team when it takes on Laharum.
The Demons took no prisoners last week as they brushed the Kees aside.
Caitlin Story produced the highest score of the round, shooting 55 of her team’s 69-goal haul.
Defender Ema Iredell won back-toback Michele Mibus Memorial medals in honour of the club’s late life member, following a determined performance in defence.
Laharum has claimed top spot on the ladder and will continue on its winning way against the Panthers, who could use a break following a tough loss to Southern Mallee Giants.
Midcourters Alex Downes and Jenni Downer continue to be shining lights for their side but will have to be on top of their game against their slick Demons opponents. Natimuk United and the Giants will tussle in a battle of third and fourth. Giants shooters Annabel Stewart, 43, and Codie Maree Robins, 28, continue to display great accuracy in the ring, while the Ewes benefit from the height of goalie Shannon Couch, who shot 34 goals in three quarters against Swifts.
Both sides boast experienced midcourts and this should be a great match to watch. Natimuk United should start favourite but won’t be expected to win easily.
Swifts have another tough task at hand this week as they take on Harrow-balmoral and will again look to Jade Cleary and Tara-sky Long to lead the way.
In the final round-nine fixture, Jeparit-rainbow and Taylors Lake will battle for supremacy in a match between the competition’s two cellar dwellers. Barring a draw, one team will walk away with its first win of the season while the other will rue a missed opportunity. Round-eight results: Laharum d Kalkee 69-28, Noradjuha-quantong d Jeparit-rainbow 51-28, Pimpinio d Taylors Lake 45-32, Southern Mallee Giants d Rupanyup 71-35, Natimuk United d Swifts 55-34.