The penultimate round of the Mid South East Netball Association looks set to feature several tight contests that could well have an impact on the upcoming finals.
This week’s match of the round is sure to be the battle for fourth spot on the ladder, when Mount Burr hosts Tantanoola.
The other games will have Robe travelling to take on Hatherleigh, Port MacDonnell hosting Glecnoe, and Kongorong travelling up the highway to take the court against Nangwarry.
Hatherleigh v Robe
Seventh placed Hatherleigh will be looking to upset the Roosters, who sit third, when they host them on Saturday.
Last time these two sides met Robe had Hatherleigh’s measure, defeating the Eagles 57-36.
Robe had a solid 17 goal win over Mount Burr last weekend, while Hatherleigh should have fresh legs coming off the bye.
The Roosters had a shock loss to Port MacDonnell the week prior, and while second place and the double chance is out of reach, they will be keep to stop Tantanoola from snatching third spot from them.
Hatherleigh will be playing for pride, unable to make finals this season.
Nangwarry v Kongorong
The Saints took it up to the Hawks last time these sides met in round 8, going down 20-46.
One of these sides will make a rare appearance back on the winners’ list this round, with the Saints yet to register their first win of the season, while Kongorong’s only win thus far came over Nangwarry in round 8.
The Saints remain at the bottom of the ladder, with the Hawks only one rung above in eighth.
The young Nangwarry side continues to play with enthusiasm each week, as do the Hawks, and while neither is obviously able to make finals, both will be looking for a win this week.
Port MacDonnell v Glencoe
This round 17 match looks set to be a great battle in the shooting circles, with both sides boasting quality goalies who are almost unbeatable on their day.
Last time these sides met in round 8, Glencoe proved too strong when they hosted the Bay, taking the win 52-32.
The Murphies are coming off a solid win over Nangwarry last round, while Port MacDonnell had an almost upset win over Tantanoola, winning by five.
The Bay sit sixth on the ladder but are having a strong finish to the season, and they will be looking to test that run against second placed Glencoe this week.
Port Mac will just miss out on finals this year, as even if they are able to score two wins in the last two rounds, it will not be enough to leapfrog them into fourth spot.
Meanwhile, Glencoe will be looking to jump into top position in front of reigning premiers Kalangadoo, who have the bye this week.
While the Pies should have a win in the final round against Nangwarry, if Glencoe secures a win this week and then downs Mount Burr in round 18, they will finish as minor premiers, meaning there is plenty to play for this week.
Mount Burr v Tantanoola
The battle between fifth placed Mount Burr and fourth placed Tantanoola is shaping as the match of the round this week.
Tant had a 13 goal win over the Mozzies last time they met, securing the victory 57-44.
The Tigers will be looking to return to the winners’ list this weekend, having gone down to Port MacDonnell by five on Saturday in somewhat of a surprise result.
Meanwhile, the Mozzies also will be looking for a return to form having dropped Saturday’s match to the fast finishing Robe by 17.
It is still mathematically possible for the Burr to make finals by slipping into fourth, but results will need to go their way.
And there is no way that Tantanoola will give up without a fight with fourth spot on the line, meaning a great netball match will be had on Saturday.
Kalangadoo has the bye.
