A Cap of Last Week’s Results
In a very tight battle, Terang Mortlake and Warrnambool played out a draw, 43 a piece. Amy Wormald continued her good form in defence for the Blues and Jacqui Arundell caused a few headaches for her opponent when she dominated in attack for the Bloods. Camperdown notched up their second win of the season defeating Portland 43 – 36. Chloe Davis played a great game for the Magpies whilst Madeline Stone was named best for the Tigers. Hamilton Kangaroos got off to a great start when they took on Koroit at Dunkeld. The Kangaroos took the lead into the first break but Koroit were able to fight back and went on to win 45 – 37. Madsie Phillips was instrumental in defence for the Kangaroos and Milla Mills put in a great performance for the Saints.
With notable players missing from the South Warrnambool and North Warrnambool line ups, the Eagles come marginally close to denying the Roosters their undefeated status. In a game that was often goal for goal, the Roosters were able to get a turnover late in the last quarter to get a two goal win at the final siren. Skye Billings was valuable for the Eagles and Isabella Rea put in another best on court performance for South. In the final game, Cobden came out to play when they defeated Port Fairy 91 – 16. Ellie Coulahan tried hard for the Seagulls whilst Emily Finch was accurate in the circle contributing 50 goals for the Bombers.
Milestone Games
Congratulations to Phoebe Whitman who will play her 100th Senior game for the North Warrnambool Eagles this Saturday. Phoebe has played all her netball with the Eagles and is always a willing volunteer around the Club. Congratulations Phoebe, awesome effort.
A very big Congratulations to Rhianne Lewis who played her 350th game for the Hamilton Kangaroos last week. Rhianne’s accolades as a player have included multiple Crawford-Quinn Medals and many premierships. She is known for her valuable defensive skills, great positioning and netball smarts. Rhianne is always volunteering her time to help the Club and is very passionate about teaching and developing all the emerging netballers in the Junior grades. Congratulations Rhianne on your fantastic efforts.
Umpire Accreditation
Anna Dickson from the Terang Mortlake FNC and also Ruby Couch from the South Warrnambool FNC were both awarded their C Badge Accreditation recently. Both candidates have been umpiring well this season and are very deserving of their successful test. Congratulations to you both.
Final Contenders
It is almost certain that South Warrnambool will take out the minor Premiership for this Season and Cobden are expected to finish second. Positions 3 to 6 can still change in the lead up to finals. Hamilton Kangaroos who are currently sitting sixth, possibly have the easiest run home so could still clinch a spot in the top five. North Warrnambool currently hold fourth spot but have two tough games remaining so will have to win at least one game if they are to play finals come September. Koroit who have a strong hold on third will need things to go their way to keep the double chance and Warrnambool, who also have a challenging run home will probably need to win both if they are to hold onto a top five finish. Whilst Terang Mortlake can’t make finals this year, they have challenged many of the top teams to date and will be determined to finish off their season well. They have the ability to shape the top five.
My Predictions for this Week
Hamilton Kangaroos will have a comfortable win over the Magpies as they challenge for a top five finish. Terang Mortlake will want to finish off their season with some good results but Koroit will be determined to hold onto the double chance and should take the points. Port Fairy take on Portland this week and the Tigers should notch up another win in a close game. Warrnambool have been in great form in recent weeks and will need to continue that form if they are to take the win over North Warrnambool. I think the Eagles will have too much to lose if they drop this game and that will be the incentive to get them over the line in a very contested game. Cobden will be keen to challenge South Warrnambool when they meet at the Friendlies Society Park. The Bombers have trialled many different positional changes during the course of the season but I expect they have come up with their best combinations and will no doubt be keen to see how they measure up against the league’s best. With a full list I think South will take the points and remain undefeated.
Good Luck to all teams competing this weekend.
Good Luck to all the Junior Teams competing in the Preliminary Finals on Sunday in Cobden.
