Plenty of firepower on court
Noradjuha-quantong will take momentum from a solid win over Jeparit-rainbow into a tough encounter with second-placed Harrow-balmoral on Saturday.
The Bombers, sitting fourth in a close competition, triumphed over fifth-placed Jeparit-rainbow by 18 goals, 55-37, in round five of Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade competition.
The Southern Roos will be out to keep their undefeated 2021 record intact when they host the Bombers and spectators should be treated to a quality game.
Both the Roos and the Bombers are adjusting to new combinations but have managed to pull off some convincing wins.
Bombers Brooke Pay and Yolly Molineaux will have the job of keeping Roos goalies Kirby Knight and Lucy King quiet this week, in King’s first game against her old side.
Up the other end, Roos leader Ebonie Salter and Bombers goalie Shannon Couch have enjoyed plenty of battles over the years and will face another this week.
Salter and fellow defender Kate Vickery starred against Natimuk United on Saturday and will be up for the challenge posed by Couch and offsider Georgia Lowe.
With both ends boasting plenty of firepower, a lot will depend on who can win the midcourt, feeding the ball well and capitalising on any turnovers.
The match is another big test for the Bombers, who are working their way up the ladder, while the Roos will be determined to maintain second spot, equal on points with leader Laharum.
The Bombers would have been thrilled with their winning margin over the Storm, although it was a good battle, particularly early in the piece.
Couch was unstoppable in the ring, shooting 44 goals in a best-on-court performance.
Molineaux also earned accolades for her defensive efforts against Georgia Batson and Maddison Marra, who was again a standout for the Storm, impressing in the midcourt and goals.
She was well supported by defender Penny Fisher, who enjoyed a welcome return to the court to celebrate her 400th A Grade game.
Fisher’s experience and on-court presence buoys the side and the Storm will hope to have her in action again this week in a highly anticipated clash against Kaniva-leeor United.
This is the other match of the round, with third taking on fifth.
The Cougars led at each change on their way to a 30-goal victory over Edenhope-apsley last week.
The team made few changes in a
steady performance over a young Saints side and will look to produce a similar performance against the Storm.
Both up-and-coming sides are working to establish themselves as a true threat and have nothing to lose.
The Saints, meanwhile, will look to claim an upset win over Natimuk United, which is struggling to assert itself the way it has in other seasons.
The Rams, eighth, will be desperate
to stay in touch with the top six after a rocky start.
The team is coming off a 24-goal loss to Harrow-balmoral despite solid efforts from centre Emily Hateley and midcourter-goalie Danielle Fleay.
The Rams are on equal points with sixth-placed Kalkee and Swifts, seventh.
Swifts will automatically claim four points this week thanks to a bye against Taylors Lake, while Kalkee will be desperate for a win against Rupanyup.
The Panthers drew with Pimpinio on Sunday despite having a narrow lead for much of the game.
Lucy Butler worked hard in wing attack, while Jessica Dunlop’s 28-goal haul also won accolades.
The Panthers will put up a fight against the Kees this week, however the Kees boast a little more firepower and should get the job done.
Pimpinio, which was best served by midcourter Holly Noonan and shooter Lana Ellis last week, is in for a tough day on Saturday when it hosts Laharum.
The Demons made light work of Swifts last week, 67-24, with goal attack Maddie Iredell, 31, and defender Faith Mckenzie leading the way. Results: Kaniva-leeor United d Edenhope-apsley 58-28, Laharum d Swifts 67-24, Harrow-balmoral d Natimuk United 58-24, Noradjuha-quantong d Jeparit-rainbow 55-37, Pimpinio drew with Rupanyup 42-42. Ladder: Laharum 20 points, 227.36 percent; Harrow-balmoral 20, 156.90; Kaniva-leeor United 16, 130.81; Noradjuha-quantong 16, 126.27; Jeparit-rainbow 12, 123.03; Kalkee 8, 110.70; Swifts 8, 96.14; Natimuk United 8, 82.61; Rupanyup 6, 93.57; Edenhope-apsley 4, 57.40; Pimpinio 2, 68.21.