There are set to be some tight matches in this weekend’s round 6 Mid South East Netball Association action.
Robe v Port MacDonnell
Robe will host Port MacDonnell in a battle of the seasiders, which should be tightly fought.
Port MacDonnell had a real tussle with Hatherleigh last week, taking the win by seven goals, while Robe had little trouble with Nangwarry, securing a comprehensive victory.
Robe is in fifth place on the ladder, with Port Mac nipping at their heels in sixth.
The Roosters are strong at both ends of the court, with defenders Alex Neale and Sophie Bates renowned for their intercepts and amazing pressure over the ball, while in Robe’s circle shooters Sarah Laurie and captain Demi Carter are hard to beat.
The Demons have an extremely capable trio of goalies to select from, with Kori Collins, Megan Hein and Cody Manning all up for the challenge.
The Bay also has a strong defensive end, with Demons Alana Berkefeld and Emily Thompson guaranteed to rebound any missed shots.
This game looks like it will be won through the mid court, and with both teams boasting plenty of drive both in attack and defence, it will be a tight contest.
Hatherleigh v Mount Burr
Hatherleigh will host Mount Burr on Saturday, with the sides set to fight out a close match.
Hatherleigh had a tight contest with Port Mac last week, only going down by seven, 32-39.
The Eagles, who sit in seventh spot on the ladder following the loss, will have their work cut out for them against the Mozzies this round.
Mount Burr, currently sitting in third place on the ladder, will have fresh legs coming off the bye.
Mozzies’ goalies Madi Haggett and Danika Shepherd are a formidable pairing and are sure to be a handful for Eagles defenders Lara McGregor and Elly Redden.
Once again it will all come down to who can feed their circle better, as both sides have strong circle defenders and great shooters.
I would not rule out a Hatherleigh upset given the home court advantage, but the stats suggest the Burr should take the game.
Glencoe v Kalangadoo
Glencoe will host Kalangadoo in what will be a tough match on Saturday.
The Pies remain top of the ladder despite their first loss of the season last week at the hands of Tantanoola, while the Murphies sit in second place with three wins and a draw.
Glencoe is coming off a 43 goal victory over Kongorong last week.
The Pies were without dominant veteran Jayde Peacock last week, and her return to the team this week sets up an epic midcourt battle.
Murphies defender Caitlin Hentscke showcased her skills last week against the Hawks, making countless intercepts in the goal circle to hold Kongorong goalless for a quarter.
She will find her match coming up against Kalangadoo’s formidable shooter Ebony McDiarmid, who rarely misses.
Glencoe midcourters Alice Tentye and Ashlea Pfitzner will also have their work cut out for them against the speedy Pies attackers.
Kalangadoo should return to the winner’s list and keep their grip on the top rung of the ladder, despite all that Glencoe can throw at them.
Tantanoola v Nangwarry
The Saints will travel to Tigerland on Saturday as Tantanoola hosts Nangwarry.
The Tigers look set to continue their winning ways after downing ladder leader and reigning premier Kalangadoo last round.
The fourth placed Tigers will host the winless Saints side, which was belted by 72-19 by Robe last week.
And while many will likely write off the young Nangwarry team, it seems they are very much in a rebuilding phase, with a host of younger players taking the court and developing their skills.
The Tigers will rely on Emma Gould and Jaime Walker in the goal circle for their offensive ability, however they will come up against the formidable Kayla Gray, whose height is a challenge for any shooter.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the court young Saints goalies Sheridan Sakkers and Ebony Wurst are starting to gel and will only continue to improve as the season progresses.
Kongorong has the bye this week.
