Eagles remain unbeaten
Aclose-but-no-cigar result against Minyip-murtoa is sure to provide Warrack Eagles with a spur when they take on all-powerful Horsham in Wimmera Netball Association this week.
The Eagles will view the contest against the unbeaten Demons as a mighty test and hope a homecourt advantage at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park provides the edge they need.
But Horsham appears clinical in the early stages of the season, Southern Mallee Giants the latest team it put to the sword, this time to the tune of 28 goals.
Warrack Eagles parried with Minyip-murtoa for four intense quarters at Minyip last week, only to come up three goals short of causing an upset.
Midcourters Emma Koschitzke and Zandria Malone and shooter Briodi Mckenzie led the Eagles’ efforts and will need to continue shining, against the Demons.
Horsham extended its lead at every change against the Giants, defender Victoria Taylor and shooting general Emma Buwalda on song.
While the court heats up at Warracknabeal, the action will be just as fierce at Nhill’s Davis Park where Nhill will try to score backto-back wins, against the Burras.
It’s a tough ask, considering the form of Burras goalie Kirby Knight and consistent defenders Paula Wiedermann and Lateesha Gascoyne.
But the Tigers also had good players last week, keeper Tarrah Dodds and midcourt runner Gorgia Sealey prominent in a threegoal win over Stawell.
Stawell won’t have enjoyed falling short of the mark against the Tigers, especially at home at Central Park, and will now regroup for a fascinating match-up against Horsham Saints at Coughlin Park, Horsham.
Jemma Clarkson and Rachel Wood were defiant in defence for the Warriors and now face the reigning premiers who are coming off a bye.
Unbeaten Ararat, meanwhile, will bank on maintaining form and fortune when it takes the long trip north to Beulah to take on Southern Mallee Giants.
The Rats trailed by five goals against Dimboola at half time on Saturday but rallied to ultimately win at home by three.
Goal attack Delaney Mcloughlan, midcourter Jess Williamson and shooter Tayla Borrelli were primary instigators against a Roos outfit led by Abbey Greig, Ant Toet and Nicole Polycarpou.
Good players for the Giants last week included centre Ruby Fisher and defender Kiana Marshman.
Southern Mallee Giants have an opportunity to make an impression on their home court. Round-three results: Ararat d Dimboola 57-54, Horsham d Southern Mallee Giants 68-40, Minyip-murtoa d Warrack Eagles 42-40, Nhill d Stawell 37-34.