Round 17 of the Victorian Netball League commences on Wednesday night at the State Netball Hockey Centre, as the race for the finals intensifies.
Championship
The City West Falcons face a tough challenge this round, as they take on the fifth-placed Boroondara Express.
It is an important match for both sides, with the Express needing a win to keep their finals hopes alive, while a victory for the Falcons will keep them in the hunt for the minor premiership.
Falcons’ defender Jacqui Newton said that the team is eager to claim the title, after finishing runners-up the past three seasons.
“The hunger is there every year but it just gets to the point where other clubs are equally as hungry,” said Newton.
The Express are battling it out against the Geelong Cougars, for fourth place on the Championship ladder, with just one win separating the two sides.
Cougars shooter, Kate Thompson, said the team is in a healthy position leading into their match against ACU Sovereigns on Saturday, with combinations across the court improving every round.
“Each week they’ve been developing more and more and I’ve just got to keep turning and putting those goals in the post,” said Thompson.
“I think we just need to keep working on balancing the court and maintaining control of the ball when we do bring it down.”
Division One
The top four in Division One has been confirmed, with the Geelong Cougars, DC North East Blaze, City West Falcons and ACU Sovereigns set to take part in the finals series.
There is the potential for movement within the top four however, and the placings will not be confirmed until the final round, when the first-placed Cougars take on the second-placed Blaze.
The round will open with Melbourne University Lightning hosting Peninsula Waves on Court 5 from 7pm.
Despite being out of finals contention, spectators can expect an intense match with both teams looking to finish the season on a high.
19/U
The 19/U finals contenders have also been confirmed, with 10 points separating fourth and fifth.
However, as with Division One, the places within the top four can still change, with the City West Falcons, Geelong Cougars, Melbourne University Lightning and DC North East Blaze all in contention for first position.
Currently sitting second on the ladder behind Falcons on percentage, the Cougars will be looking for victory against Sovereigns on Saturday to keep their chances of defending their minor premiership alive.
For the latest Victorian Netball League news, results and fixtures visit vnl.com.au
