Cripps to take on depleted Arrows

THE undefeated AYC-Friends Arrows will face off against Cripps Waratah in their State League netball match tonight at Hobart Netball and Sports Centre.

Arrows will be without head coach Andrew Jackson and goalie Natasha Shirley who are at the under-19 national tournament in Adelaide.

But Cripps will still need to be at their best if they are to overcome Arrows.

Arrows had a strong win over Karana Flames last week in a scrappy match and will be looking to improve their movement through the court. Sophie Gunn has been in exceptional form having scored an incredible 191 goals in three matches and with Cripps’ tall defender Alex Vinen also away for the national under-19 tournament, they will have their work cut out for them.

Cripps have already had in- jury concerns with captain Sophia Cole yet to take the court and Ellie Grace unavailable last week. Fitness depending, they could be a great inclusion for tonight’s game, given the experience and drive they will provide through the centre.

OHA has the tough task of coming up against the undefeated Northern Hawks and will welcome the return of captain Katie Stanford.

Hawks have a daunting front end and move the ball with speed and precision through the court, so OHA will need to slow down the delivery to tall target Ashlea Mawer to give their defenders any chance of turning the ball over. OHA suffered a big loss to Cavaliers in their first match, but it was the first State League game for many of their players and Stanford is hoping those nerves will settle and she will be able to help her side play their own game and continue to improve this week.

“To be back and be able to lead the team this week … we know we’re up for a challenge but we’re preparing for it,” Stanford said.

“We’re going to set ourselves targets and we’re going to hit those targets so, week in week out, we’re going to get better.”