This weekend’s Mid South East Netball Association fixture looks set to feature some one-sided contests as the ladder begins to take shape after four rounds.
In round 5 ladder leaders Kalangadoo will play host to Tantanoola, third placed Glencoe will travel to Kongorong, Nangwarry will host sixth placed Robe and fourth placed Hatherleigh will head to the seaside to take on Port MacDonnell.
Kalangadoo v Tantanoola
Undefeated Kalangadoo should easily account for Tantanoola, which has only just registered its first win of the season.
Last week Tantanoola played Kongorong, taking a solid victory for their first win of the season.
Meanwhile the Pies had an eight goal win over the Roosters.
Tant will again look to young defender Bella Poulish, along with fellow youngster Molly Cushion, while in the circle Emma Gould’s accuracy will be crucial.
At the other end of the court, Kalangadoo goalies Abbey Duncan and Ebony McDiarmid rarely miss, while defenders Lauren Kain and youngster Georgia Gentile have been causing problems for their opposition attackers.
The Pies’ ability to make tactical changes, particularly when it comes to the centre position traditionally held by stalwart Jayde Peacock, gives the reigning premiers options, with Jane Auld able to switch things up.
Kongorong v Glencoe
Glencoe should not have too much trouble defeating Kongorong when the Murphies travel to the Hawks’ home court.
Kongorong lost last week to Tantanoola, while Glencoe had the bye.
While there is an obvious mismatch on the ladder, Hawks defenders Jas McKinnon and Rach Perry can always be relied upon to shut down any mid court drives and will be guaranteed to do their best to starve Glencoe’s circle.
Nangwarry v Robe
It will be unlikely that Nangwarry will upset Robe, despite hosting the Roosters this weekend.
Robe played Kalangadoo at the seaside last round, and while initially matching it with the ladder leaders, were unable to hold on for the win.
Robe defenders Emillie Gould and Kimberley Austin are sure to cause headaches for the Saints’ attack, while at the other end Roosters shooters Demi Carter and Sarah Laurie will need to contend with the height of Nangwarry’s GK Kayla Gray.
Nangwarry shooter Sheridan Sakkers is starting to hit her straps and will look to her mid court to provide plenty of ball.
Port Mac v Hatherleigh
It will be a closer contest at the seaside when Hatherleigh travels to the Bay to take on Port MacDonnell.
The Demons had a narrow loss to Mount Burr last week, going down by three goals, while the Eagles had a comprehensive win over Nangwarry.
The Eagles defence will have their hands full with the Port Mac shooting combination of Kori Collins and Cody Manning, who have gelled well.
Down the other end Hatherleigh’s shooters Demi Vanderhorst and Bree Harris are experts in finding space.
Both sides have great support through the mid court, which will be a great battle.
Mount Burr has the bye this round.
MATTER RESOLVED
The Mid South East Netball Association executive has resolved matters relating to a senior match in the opening round on April 13.
The tone of the game had been the subject of widespread commentary in social and other media.
The MSENA executive members acted in accordance with their own association procedures as well as the protocols of Netball SA and Netball Australia.
As part of their investigation, they spoke to the two competing clubs as well as the two umpires.
The MSENA executive has seven members but two of them took no part in the deliberations.
They stood aside as they have close ties to the two competing clubs.
