Swifts stamp authority
Swifts have stamped themselves as genuine Horsham District finals contenders following a one-goal win over last year’s grand finalist HarrowBalmoral on Saturday.
The Baggies continue to go from strength to strength with their new-look team, and coach and standout player Courtney Morrow would be thrilled to see years of rebuilding start to pay dividends.
The Baggies are now in third spot on the ladder and plenty of interest will surround their roundeight showdown with reigning premier Natimuk United in a few weeks’ time – a true test of where they sit in the rankings.
Swifts will be too strong for Taylors Lake this week.
The Lakers battled hard against Natimuk United, with goalie Sophie Heard and defender Tia-ana Parker drawing praise for their efforts.
Ewes defender Jo Taylor was judged her team’s best alongside midcourter Danielle Fleay.
The undefeated outfit will meet another of the league’s improved sides when it takes on Kalkee.
The Kees, fresh from a bye, will be out to claim a big scalp and cement themselves as a threat to the top order. This should be an entertaining game, with plenty of speed in both midcourts.
The Kees have some of the most accurate goalies in the competition but will be challenged by a powerful defensive combination in Taylor and Casey Vanstan.
Shannon Couch’s height will continue to be an asset for Natimuk United, with the Kees likely to struggle to claim many rebounds.
The Ewes will rise to the challenge and go about their job like a well-oiled machine.
Favourite
Fellow competition leader Laharum will start clear favourite over Edenhope-apsley.
The Saints have a strong defence end, led by Alex Lang and Cynthia Watt, and if the girls can steal a few rebounds and create turnovers the game will be an interesting one.
Krystal Schapel and Sarah Domaschenz were accurate against Noradjuha-quantong in slippery conditions last week, but will have to get around tall keeper Rebecca Mcintyre.
Noradjuha-quantong leaders were disappointed with the loss and will come up against another side looking to atone this week, Harrow-balmoral.
Brooke Pay and Tennielle O’callaghan battled hard in defence, creating several turnovers, and the Bombers will need their attacking end to capitalise on any advantages this week.
Megan Russell was a standout for the Southern Roos, moving from defence to centre to cover a midcourt role. Wing attack Sammy Crick also earned accolades.
Pay, Yolly Molineaux and Prue Eldridge will have a big job curb- ing the influence of Harrow-balmoral goalies Amy Lewis and Sara Mccuish, while the midcourt battle should be a strong one.
There is plenty at stake, with the Bombers holding onto sixth spot and the Roos four points behind in seventh. Round-five results: Laharum d Rupanyup 55-22, Edenhope-apsley d Noradjuha-quantong 36-27, Swifts d Harrow-balmoral 43-42, Natimuk United d Taylors Lake 50-21, Pimpinio d Jeparit-rainbow 55-51.