Ripper clashes in run home

The intrigue continues in the lead-up to Horsham District netball finals as teams look to sew up a top-six spot.

While Laharum and Natimuk United have been cemented in the top two since about half way through the season, and Harrow-balmoral looks likely to finish third even if it loses to the Demons on Saturday, the remaining spots are up in the air.

This week’s results will have significant implications for who makes finals and who misses out. Swifts, Kalkee, Noradjuha-quantong and Edenhope-apsley all have legitimate claims, but one will bow out of the race.

While the stage is set for a ripper clash between Laharum and Harrow-balmoral, the match of the round is between Swifts and Kalkee.

This match has huge consequences for the fourth and fifth sides and expect players to leave nothing on the court.

Swifts are coming off a strong win over Taylors Lake while the Kees struggled to convert under pressure from strong Natimuk United defence.

Kee Jenna Bywaters performed well at both ends of the court and will be vital this weekend.

The Kees shooters are enjoying a good season and will look to get the better of in-form Swifts defender Julia Coates this week.

Accuracy vital

Harrow-balmoral will test itself against the competition front-runner and needs to be accurate in the ring against the defensively strong Demons.

Southern Roos defenders Ebonie Salter and Ella Rees will enjoy a tussle with on-song Laharum goalies Caitlin Story and Maddie Iredell, who share the work load and rarely miss.

Salter and Rees will need to rattle the goalies, because they have a height advantage for rebounds.

Pimpinio and Rupanyup will play for pride this week, with both sides out of the finals equation, while Noradjuhaquantong needs a percentageboosting win over bottom side Taylors Lake.

The sixth-placed Bombers will look for a big game from their goalies as they attempt to secure a finals spot, knowing they await a showdown with Kalkee the following week.

Edenhope-apsley will remain in the hunt after picking up four points for a bye, but could use a percentage boost.

Jeparit-rainbow and Natimuk United also have byes this week. Round-16 results: Laharum d Edenhope-apsley 58-29, Natimuk United d Kalkee 59-28, Rupanyup d Jeparit-rainbow 55-45, Swifts d Taylors Lake 66-30.