FIXTURE
Wednesday 7 May
Gippsland Stars vs Bendigo Strikers
North East Blaze vs Casey Demons
Melbourne University Lightning vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
Boroondara Express vs Geelong Cougars
Western Warriors vs Peninsula Waves
Hawks Netball vs City West Falcons
BROADCAST
Netball Victoria Facebook
Melbourne University Lightning vs Wilson Storage Southern Saints
7pm – Championship
8.40pm – 23&U
KommunityTV
Boroondara Express vs Geelong Cougars
7pm – 23&U
8.40pm – Championship
**Access is free for existing Herald Sun subscribers.
ROUND HIGHLIGHTS
Championship
- It’s the clash of the top two between Hawks Netball and City West Falcons in what is the game of the round. Expect this to be a high scoring game with Jane Cook (425 goals) and Ashlea Mawer (303 goals) sitting first and third on the Hot Shot leaderboard. A key match up will be between Falcons’ Maddie Romios and Hawks’ Kirsty Clark. Romios’ court vision and deceptive fakes creates scoring opportunities for Cook. But Clark, known for her ability to intercept from nowhere, will be ready to disrupt the Falcons’ goalers.
- The Geelong Cougars have struggled so far this season and have another challenge coming up against Boroondara Express. Emma Buwalda stepped up last week shooting the most goals for the Cougars in goal attack, so Ruby Pekin Schlicht will have the job of shutting her down to put the pressure on the Cougars shooters.
- The Southern Saints will look to continue their winning ways as Melbourne University Lightning are trying to find their second win. Rahni Samason has led the Saints out of trouble when needed, and she’ll be up against Lightning’s Tilly Shephard who has thrived in her time in the Championship division this season. Shephard’s range is a threat high in the air but also down for the ground ball, so no pass into the circle is safe.
23&Under
- The Casey Demons and North East Blaze will meet up from the opposite ends of the ladder, but despite a loss last week for the Demons, they have been building on their connections across the court. Teaghan Coen can play all three midcourt positions for Blaze and is able to change and adapt in an instant. She’s patient with the ball, but will come up against a challenge in the Demons’ Mollie Helmot.
- It was a draw for the Western Warriors last week while the Peninsula Waves lost by a slight margin, so both teams will be looking to get back on the winners list. Charlize Gabel Joseph won’t have it easy as she’ll meet up with Grace Hay in the goal circle. Hay can confuse the space, making it look like a ball can go in, but will pounce on any ball in the air which is Gabel Joseph’s bread and butter.
- The Gippsland Stars are still on the hunt for their first win of the season as they face the Bendigo Strikers. The Stars have had momentum in most of their matches however are unable to produce a 60 minute game, whereas the Strikers have been clinical and disciplined. Jayde Parsons has been impressive for the Stars and will have the task of stopping the connection between Strikers shooters Ella Kerlin and Mia McCrann-Peters.
ONE TO WATCH
Amalani Fauonuku has showcased her versatility for the City West Falcons this season, being able to switch between shooting and defence. Fauonuku featured mostly in goal shooter during her 17/U nationals campaign, resulting in a bronze medal, but has been shifted into goal defence at times for the Falcons. Her physicality and accuracy at the post keeps her status as a strong target with a formidable connection building with Holly Adams-Alcock. Fauonuku is an unexpecting opponent, no team can prepare on where to expect her out on the court.
