Finals race down to the wire
The paper-thin line between playing finals netball or not grows increasingly slender for some Goulburn Valley League sides as the competition slides toward the end of the home and away season.
With the penultimate round manifesting on the region’s courts tomorrow, Euroa, Benalla and Shepparton remain in mathematical contention of overtaking Tatura for the prized sixth spot.
Making the equation more complex is the fact Georgia Ryan’s Bulldogs welcome Echuca to the kennel this round — though what would usually be spun as a onesided affair just became much more manageable on Tatura’s end.
Echuca A-grade coach Steph Vick has anticipated an exodus and is bracing to be without close to half her usual exponents because of some players being NSWbased.
Tatura’s job will be made easier without having to deal with the likes of Lauren Jones and Holly Butler, while Melbournebased Sheridan Townrow will not feature for the side for the second week running.
The Murray Bombers leader will not feature herself, but was not letting the outs dampen her side’s mood or competitive edge.
“We’ve got a good playing group with a lot of experience and depth,” Vick said.
“So it is devastating for us and the players, but I have absolute faith in the coaches and players that are able to play this weekend, that they will be able to step up and deliver for us.”
Tatura returns to home court off the back of a three-goal victory at Benalla; a mustwin from Ryan’s perspective.
On the other hand, the Saints — and their finals hopes — may be dealt a decisive blow if they cannot produce the unthinkable and unravel Shepparton United at Deakin Reserve.
At Memorial Oval, whichever of Euroa and Shepparton emerges with four points will keep the embers alive, albeit dependent on the Tatura-Echuca result.
Lastly, Rochester and Mansfield square off for bragging rights, while Mooroopna is touted to compound Kyabram’s woes at the foot of the table.