Catani clash key to finals hopes

Warragul Industrials players and supporters will have the round 17 fixture against Catani penciled in as a must win to set up their finals campaign.

Rivalry from last year’s senior grand final decider will continue, with the two teams locked in a battle for third position on the ladder and the coveted second chance.

The Industrials currently hold a significant percentage advantage, but the two sides are currently locked on points.

With the two teams fighting out a tight battle in last year’s decider, the grand final rematch in round nine didn’t disappoint with both sides locked on 54 points apiece at the final siren.

That match was a tale of two halves, the Industrials skipping out to a 28-point but could only manage one goal in the second half as the Blues charged home to level the scores.

Catani play their home ground well, but the Industrials will be up for the challenge.

The clash will also a major bearing on the make up of the finals in the netball.

Currently outside of the top five in both B and C grade, the match against the Blues will begin an important final fortnight for the two teams.

The Industrials B grade side boasts a superior percentage to the Blues.

Defeating the Blues in round 17 could have the team in the box seat, but a final round clash with the sixth-placed Nilma-Darnum could also be key to their finals ambitions.

The C grade team will have thoroughly earnt their opportunity should they qualify, with bith the Blues and Bombers higher ranked opponents.

It all starts with the important matches against the Blues.

While Ellinbank are runaway leaders in A grade, the remainder of the top five teams are very even with a top three finish well and truly up for grabs.

While relatively safe in the top five, the Industrials could still make a charge for the top three.

Six points separate it from Poowong in third, and a pair of victories over the higher ranked Blues and the Bombers could put them in the mix.

The Fgrade contest to start the day is also sure to excite, with the match a possible preview to the qualifying final.

It’s a similar story in the Reserves football, although the Industrials look the far better team.

The under 18s will use the contest as a measuring stick of how much they have improved, while the under 16s could well and truly shore up top spot against a struggling Blues side.