A Cap of last week’s Results
This season is shaping up to be one of the most interesting we have had for some time with the middle positions on the ladder the closest it has been for a few years. There were some big winning margins last week as predicted but there were also some close contests. Cobden dominated in their performance when they defeated Port Fairy 88 – 13. South Warrnambool worked hard and easily accounted for a depleted North Warrnambool Eagles winning 64 – 28. Camperdown would have been very excited and pleased with their performance when they got their first win of the season defeating Portland 35 – 33 (perhaps a little earlier than most predicted). Warrnambool had a narrow win against a more fancied opponent when they beat Terang Mortlake 40 – 38 and Koroit came away with a narrow win over the Hamilton Kangaroos 46 – 42.
The Season so Far
As we approach the half-way mark of the season, South Warrnambool and Cobden are both still undefeated at the top of the table followed by Koroit, Hamilton and Warrnambool who make up the five. Just outside are North Warrnambool and Terang Mortlake and Camperdown, Portland and Port Fairy take up the 8th, 9th and 10th positions respectively. I am eager to see if anyone is up to challenging either Cobden or South Warrnambool as they are definitely the front runners at this stage, and are playing some high quality netball but the remaining finals positions are up for grabs with only 8 points separating positions 3 – 7.
Camperdown started the year with an expectation of rebuilding when a majority of their Open players from last season left the Club. Megan Titmus is doing a great job with the talented youngsters and they are putting their best foot forward each and every week and are really challenging themselves, and their opposition. I look forward to seeing some closer results in the second half of the season as they start to reap the benefits of all their hard work.
Goal Shooters
It is well known there is no award for the goal scorers in Netball, as only the players in the GS and GA positions are able to score goals, but it is worth mentioning a couple of players who predominantly play in the GS position, who are both having an incredible season, and ironically play for the two top teams. Hollie Phillips from the South Warrnambool Roosters has scored 376 goals from 7 games with an average of 53.71 goals per game whilst Emily Finch from the Cobden Bombers has scored 368 goals giving an average of 52.57 goals per game. For both Hollie and Emily, on average they are scoring almost a goal a minute every game they play, an amazing display of accuracy. They are certainly on target to shoot in excess of 1000 goals for the season, which I’m sure wouldn’t happen on too many occasions. The next closest is Nell Mitchell who has scored 225 goals (an average of 32.14 goals).
Milestone Games
This week we congratulate Gemma Rentsch from the North Warrnambool Eagles FNC who will play her 50th Senior game for the Club. Gemma has played for the Club for a number of years now and is also an Umpire. Gemma followed in her mother’s footsteps and took up umpiring and was awarded her C Bagde accreditation last year. Enjoy your 50th game Gemma and Good Luck.
Association Championships
Good Luck to the four teams representing the Hampden FNL at the Association Championships Preliminary rounds being held this Sunday in Warrnambool. All the teams have trained hard over the past few weeks and are all looking forward to the Competition. Thank you also to the Coaches and Umpires who are also representing the league on Sunday. Have a great day everyone and let’s hope we can have all age groups represented at the Finals Day in Melbourne on June 18.
My Predictions for this Week
Camperdown travel to Gardens Oval to take on the Port Fairy seagulls. The magpies have continued to improve week to week and I think they can get their second win in as many weeks. Port Fairy will be keen to get their first win on the board but I see the magpies moving the ball better through the Centre court and earning a narrow win.
South Warrnambool take on the Portland Tigers who will also be keen to get their first win but it won’t be this week. The Roosters will get a comfortable win here.
Cobden meet Warrnambool at the Reid. The Blues will be keen to see how they stack up against some of the league’s best but will be challenged by the fast flowing movement of the Bombers game. Cobden will come away with the points.
Koroit and North Warrnambool Eagles clash at Victoria Park. This will be a great battle with the Eagles keen to stay in touch with the top 5. The return of Maddison Vardy will be a big welcome but the Eagles will have to be at their best if they are to come away with a win against a steady and in form Koroit. It will be a great contest but I think the Eagles can do enough to score a narrow win.
Terang Mortlake make the journey to Pedrina Park to do battle with the Hamilton Kangaroos. I expect this to be a tight physical contest which could go either way. Hamilton may have the edge with a bit more experience but the Bloods will be keen to make amends for last week’s loss and will get over the line in a close one.
Good Luck to all teams competing this weekend. Have a great game.
