Robe faces off against Tantanoola in the first A Grade semi-final of the 2022 Mid South Eastern Netball Association season.
Both teams fought hard throughout the minor rounds to earn their spot in the top four, and neither team will go down easily on Saturday.
Tantanoola’s goalie combination of Emma Gould and Jami Walker work well together, moving with ease in the circle, utilising Gould’s accuracy, and strength under the post.
Emma Grant and Georgia Perkins will need to work overtime to curb the influence of the Tigers’ goalies in the circle, using their agility and ability to read the ball to their advantage.
Kate Bromley, Michelle Robinson, and youngster Tayla Rowe work hard in the defensive end for the Tigers and will be putting pressure on for wing attack Lucy Perkins and goalies Sarah Laurie and Halle Carter.
Tantanoola have come away with the win both times these teams faced off in the minor rounds, but Robe will put up a fight on home turf so this game could go either way.
A Reserve – Hatherleigh v Glencoe
Hatherleigh and Glencoe battle it out on Saturday for a place in the preliminary final.
Abbie Cocks and Laura Edwards combine well in the Murphies goal circle, while at the other end of the court Eliza Mewett works hard to gain prime position in Hatherleigh’s attacking end.
With a win each under their belts this game could go either way, with both teams putting in a strong fight.
B Grade – Hatherleigh v Port MacDonnell
Hatherleigh takes on Port MacDonnell in the first B Grade semi-final.
The Eagles’ defensive end works well together and will put pressure on the Demons goalies from the outset.
Sophie Gibbs combines well with Georgia Gray in the circle, while Jess Grigg has been the dominant goalie for the Bay and the defenders will need to get on top early to limit her scoring options.
Jasmyne Bellinger has had a great season in centre for the Eagles and Deanne Spencer will need to be on top of her game.
Hatherleigh has a lot of options in the goal circle and will rely on the maturity of Hayley Bell to steady the younger players around her.
The Port MacDonnell defenders Brooklyn Jones and Rachel Johnstone are tight defenders and will snap up any missed opportunities by the Eagles goalies.
With a win each in the minor round this could go either way.
B Reserve – Port MacDonnell v Hatherleigh
Port MacDonnell plays off against Hatherleigh in the B Reserve this weekend.
These teams have played two close games this season, with less than five goals the difference every time.
The Eagles’ side has suffered a few injuries this season and may still be a bit unsettled.
The Demons have strength in their goal circle through Robyn Hill and Ainsley Mann, but Hatherleigh’s Fiona Jackman and Lucy Bell are strong defenders.
Throughout the centre Port MacDonnell’s Paige Cawthorne and Hatherleigh’s Sally Bateman will have a tough battle down the court.
The Demons have won both head-to-head battles and hope to come away victorious.
17 and Under – Tantanoola v Mount Burr
Tantanoola are set to face Mount Burr on Saturday in the 17 and Under semi-final.
Both sides have strong defensive combinations, with Mount Burr’s Olivia Dean and Tantanoola’s Tayla Rowe playing for their respective A Grade sides.
Both teams also have strong goalies in Bella Poulish for the Tigers and Faith Mckenzie for the Mozzies.
Throughout the minor rounds these teams have played close games, and this game promises to be another that is worth the watch.
15 and Under – Hatherleigh v Robe
Hatherleigh and Robe go head to head in the 15 and Under contest this weekend.
The Eagles have a strong defensive line in Ayrlie Chambers, Niah Faulkner and Kyah Carruthers, while Lucy Collins and Georgie Wirth will work hard in the Roosters’ goal circle to counter it.
Down the other end, the Roosters’ Matilda Yeo and Demi Birmingham will force Hatherleigh goalies Hailey McGrath and Kalli Nettle to work overtime.
The Eagles have come out on top both times in the minor rounds, but either team could come away with the win.
13 and Under – Glencoe v Mount Burr
Glencoe and Mount Burr face off in the first 13 and Under semi-final down at Robe.
Chloe Childs and Violet Thorne move well to help the Murphies score, with support from Tara Bellinger and Layla Hawke.
Callie Brant and Becky Davis have the ability to read the ball well for the Mozzies and their goalies Holly Lowndes and Stella Davis rarely miss.
These two teams have had close outcomes throughout the season and the game could go either way on Saturday.