Ewes stake claim on second spot
Natimuk United will be out to upset second-placed Harrow-balmoral in Horsham District league’s A Grade match of the round on Saturday.
The Ewes are third after surviving a scare from an improving Southern Mallee Giants at the weekend.
Natimuk United took a five-goal lead into half time against the Giants but the match was a thriller all day, with Southern Mallee reducing the deficit to two by the last break.
Defender Caitlin Hickey and midcourter Annie Noonan worked hard but were unable to get their team over the line.
Defender Casey Vanstan was the Ewes’ best, repelling many Giants’ attempts at goals, while midcourter Cheryl Sudholz again provided a steadying influence and drive in wing attack. Natimuk United can look for- ward to another nail-biter this week when it travels to Harrow.
The Roos are coming off a comprehensive win over Swifts and will not take the Ewes lightly.
Sarah Cleaver, 31 goals, is continuing to relish her new role in the ring, earning best-player accolades alongside ever-reliable Janelle Knight.
But Cleaver and fellow shooter Sara Mccuish will need to be on their toes against a strong Natimuk United defensive combination that concedes little. Up the other end, Roos defenders Ebonie Salter and Kate Vickery will have a tough day on goalies Shannon Couch and Amy Pilgrim.
Both sides have experienced midcourts – this match could go either way but should go down to the wire.
The Giants will find the going easier this week when they meet Edenhopeapsley, although the Saints will do their best to continue on their win- ning way after a close victory over Pimpinio.
Kalkee played its best game of the season against Noradjuha-quantong last week, getting within seven goals of the Bombers. If they continue their form, they should win easily against Jeparit-rainbow.
The Storm will be out to stop the Kees in their tracks after defeating Taylors Lake, which is in for a tough day against ladder leader Laharum.
The Bombers will be keen to atone for a below-par performance at the weekend when it meets Swifts, while Pimpinio should beat Rupanyup as it looks to keep in touch with sixth spot. Round-nine results: Jeparit-rainbow d Taylors Lake 38-26, NoradjuhaQuantong d Kalkee 43-36, EdenhopeApsley d Pimpinio 41-39, Laharum v Rupanyup 61-27, Harrow-balmoral d Swifts 71-16, Natimuk United d Southern Mallee Giants 39-37.