THE match of the Mid South East netball round will be between Glencoe and Port MacDonnell.
The two sides sit adjacent on the premiership standings – the Demons in third and Murphies in fourth – which sets the stage for an epic battle.
Last time these two sides met in Round 5 of the competition the difference was just a solitary goal in favour of Port MacDonnell.
The Demons now sit two games clear in third position, while Glencoe’s finals hopes are on the line with both Kongorong and Tantanoola just a game behind.
Since their last encounter with the Murphies the Demons have somewhat settled.
However, the absence of Toni Gilmore has opened a vacant position on court, forcing a reshuffle.
The defensive duo of Megan Hein and Brooke Hawkins have stepped up in recent rounds and are proving to be a real force in the competition.
They will have their work cut out this weekend against formidable goalies Ebony McDiarmid and Chantelle Weir.
The two have the assistance of accurate feeder Alyce Finnis on the attacking wing, which will make interceptions difficult to come by.
Centres Alyssa Boylan and Lisa McKay both use their speed and agility to hold the edge on their opponent and will look to claim the upper-hand on Saturday.
With good match ups all over court, this game could come down to the wire, but Port MacDonnell’s composure will get it over the line.
Saints take on dominant side
NANGWARRY will find it tough facing Mid South East netball ladder leader Kalangadoo in Saturday’s fixture.
The Saints are struggling this season, winning their first game against Robe earlier in the season, only to go down to the Roosters just two rounds ago by a nail-biting two goals.
Nangwarry has shown form in the minor rounds, but has struggled to be competitive over four quarters and that will be no easier this weekend.
Kalangadoo is yet to lose a game in 2017 and as a result the reigning champions will be expected to take a solid victory.
The Saints are out of practise with two weeks off, but will come out firing against the tough competition.
Malinda Markiewicz has given her best each week and will step up in the goal circle despite Kalangadoo’s relentless defence.
The Magpies intensity will see goalies Abbey Duncan and Melissa Russell have more opportunity at scoring and history shows they do not waste many.
Kalangadoo is likely to create a big lead in the opening quarter and increase that margin over the duration of the match to take a percentage-boosting victory.
Tigers to take on Eagles
AFTER last weekend’s win slipped through its fingers against Kongorong, Tantanoola would be hungry for success against Hatherleigh on Saturday.
Tantanoola held a seven-goal lead at the final break against the Hawks, but allowed its opponent back into the game and lost by two.
On the other hand, the Eagles have a strong hold on second position in the ladder and is unlikely to be shaken by the Tigers.
Keston Green is one of the key players in Hatherleigh’s starting seven.
Her accuracy in the goal circle and ability to combine with Pippin Ellis is one of the few reasons the Eagles have been dominant this season.
However, Hatherleigh will miss the services of Sarah Faulkner through the centre this weekend after she injured her calf last round against Mount Burr.
The Eagles remain confident they have the depth to be competitive.
With Tiger coach Casey Walker disappointed in her side’s efforts last weekend, she will hope they step up on Saturday and keep with their highly-fancied opponents.
Tantanoola is on the brink of finals contention and will be eager to get across the line, but the Eagles will be too strong.
Robe chases four quarter performance
AFTER keeping up with Port MacDonnell for the opening half of last weekend’s Mid South East netball match, Robe will hope to string four quarters together when taking on Kongorong this Saturday.
The Hawks managed an upset victory over Tantanoola last round and are now only separated by percentage with the Tigers.
The two sit just outside the top four, meaning a solid win for Kongorong this weekend is crucial.
While Robe seem to be a little unsettled it was able to hold Port MacDonnell at bay for much of the first half, trailing by two at the long break.
If it was to put in that sort of performance over four quarters it could contend with the top sides.
On the other hand, Kongorong has improved week in, week out and will be out to claim the two points this Saturday.
The Hawks’ goalies in Tabatha Sanderson and Brittany McEvoy have found their rhythm, which will make life difficult for Robe’s defenders.
However, the Roosters are led by coach Kim Ross who is renowned for her ability to plug holes on the court.
Robe will give its best, but in the end Kongorong’s class and confidence will allow it to take the points and contend for a top four position.
