Mid South East netball heads into finals on Saturday, with an exciting A Grade clash between Robe and Tantanoola to kick proceedings off, up at Robe.
Robe finished the minor rounds in third position, while Tantanoola snuck into finals with a draw against Mount Burr last weekend.
In fact, the final two rounds saw draws for the Tigers, with Round 17 tied up against top side Kalangadoo.
Robe also tasted a draw, back in Round 13 against the second-placed Glencoe.
Head-to-head this season sees a win to each side, with the Roosters victorious back in Round 2 by five goals, while the Tigers claimed the honours in Round 11 by 13.
Both sides have their strengths, with the goal circle the obvious focal point.
For Tantanoola, the goalie combination of Emma Gould and Jami Walker work well together, moving with ease in the circle.
The Tigers use Gould’s height, accuracy and strength under the post well, along with the experience and speed of Walker.
Emma Grant and Georgia Perkins will need to work overtime for Robe to curb the influence of the Tantanoola shooters, using their agility and ability to read the ball.
For Robe, Sarah Laurie and Halle Carter combine well in the circle in the absence of youngster Tori Gluyas.
Both shoot with accuracy and fight hard for every possible rebound.
Kate Bromley, Michelle Robinson and Tayla Rowe work hard at the defensive end for the Tigers and will need to be at their best to reduce the influence of the Robe shooters.
On the attacking wing, Robe’s Lucy Perkins is a tough customer, while Tantanoola’s Casey Walker provides plenty of pace and drive.
The home-court advantage should have little effect on the outcome, with sides up to the challenge.
Regardless of the outcome, this will certainly be an exciting contest which should go down to the wire.
Other games
A Reserve: Hatherleigh v Glencoe; B Grade: Hatherleigh v Port MacDonnell; B Reserve
Port MacDonnell v Hatherleigh; 17 and Under: Tantanoola v Mount Burr; 15 and Under: Hatherleigh v Robe; 13 and Under: Glencoe v Mount Burr.
