Top six set in stone
For six Horsham District netball teams, Saturday represents an opportunity to consolidate form heading into finals.
For the remaining six, it’s an opportunity for a last hurrah as they try to finish the season on a high note.
The league’s top six is set and although there is technically room for movement in positions, the likely outcomes from this week’s draw means teams have a fair idea who they’ll be lining up against the following week.
Laharum secured the minor premiership a while ago and even if an in-form Noradjuhaquantong upsets the Demons on Saturday, they will still earn a week off during the first round of finals.
The Demons enjoyed a strong win over Jeparit-rainbow, with goalie Caitlin Story shooting 67 of the side’s 76 goals in a phenomenal performance.
Rylee Cocks and Bridget Mckenzie battled hard for the Storm but were no match for the Demons. The fourthplaced Bombers will need to shut down Story on Saturday to have any chance of stopping Laharum in its tracks.
The Bombers will take confidence from their win over Natimuk United. Noradjuhaquantong got off to a good start against the Ewes, who worked hard to overcome the absence of key shooter Shannon Couch by trialling several combinations.
Cheryl Sudholz and Emily Hateley won best-player accolades but the team lacked the depth to keep up with the Bombers.
With Couch back in the lineup it will be a different story this week as the Ewes look to shake off a bad week, against Edenhope-apsley.
This match is likely to be a prelude to an elimination final showdown the following week and will be an opportunity for both sides to see where they are at.
The Saints were 10 goals better than Swifts at the weekend but the Baggies forced their opponents to work for the win and were within a goal at the final break.
Cynthia Watt continued her standout season in defence and will have her work cut out against Couch this week.
The Saints will push the Ewes but are struggling with consistency.
Harrow-balmoral will consolidate second spot with a win over Taylors Lake, which has had a tough draw, playing three top-six sides in the past three weeks. Despite the losses, the Lakers have improved in their first season back in the competition and hopefully can build on their form next year.
Kalkee will be out to upset Southern Mallee Giants. Both sides boast quick midcourters, accurate goalies and agile defenders. The Giants should win, but the Kees will ensure they work for it.
In other matches, Pimpinio will look for one last win, against Jeparit-rainbow, while Rupanyup looks to get the better of Swifts. Round-15 results: Kalkee v Pimpinio 58-34, Noradjuhaquantong d Natimuk United 50-31, Edenhope-apsley d Swifts 29-19, Southern Mallee Giants d Taylors Lake 58-23, Laharum d Jeparit-rainbow 76-22, Harrow-balmoral d Rupanyup 50-37.