Danger game for Ewes
Second-placed Natimuk United needs to beat Noradjuha-quantong on Saturday to retain second spot on the Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade ladder.
The Ewes fell short of ladder leader Laharum last week but the margin would have been influenced by the absence of regular goalie Shannon Couch, whose height makes life difficult for the best of defenders.
The Bombers will look to capitalise on her unavailability this week to claim a top-two scalp ahead of a clash against Laharum.
The Ewes will still be strong, particularly defensively, and the Bombers will rely on young Lucy Brand to continue her form in goals. Brand and defender Brooke Pay were the Bombers’ best in the side’s win over Taylors Lake at the weekend, while midcourters Emily Hateley and Cheryl Sudholz led the way for the Ewes.
This week’s midcourt battle will be worth watching and supply to goals will be vital.
Third placed Harrow-balmoral went down to Southern Mallee Giants by one goal in a thriller last week but will be too strong for Rupanyup on Saturday. The Southern Roos have a higher percentage than Natimuk United and will be keen to jump the Ewes on the ladder to secure a double chance ahead of finals.
Both teams are expected to win against lowerranked teams the following week.
Laharum has cemented top spot, while Noradjuha-quantong and the Giants will play finals – most likely against each other – regardless of the results of their next two games.
Edenhope-apsley has done enough to finish sixth despite mixed form, but would want to field a stronger team to defeat a building Swifts to cement its spot.
Kalkee is out of finals contention after losing to Rupanyup at the weekend. The Panthers are making a late charge but need to upset Harrowbalmoral and rely on the Saints to lose.
In other round-15 matches, Laharum will beat Jeparit-rainbow comfortably, Pimpinio and Kalkee will enjoy a shootout for bragging rights and Southern Mallee Giants will enjoy a percentage-boosting win over Taylors Lake. Round-14 results: Edenhope-apsley d Jeparitrainbow 43-22, Laharum d Natimuk United 55-27, Rupanyup d Kalkee 37-32, Pimpinio d Swifts 58-43, Southern Mallee Giants d Harrowbalmoral 49-48, Noradjuha-quantong d Taylors Lake 54-21.