THE fourth-placed South Bendigo faces a test against the unbeaten Kangaroo Flat in this Saturday’s 17th round of A-grade action in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League.
It’s been a month since teams have played, so the Bloods and Kangaroos will be keen to take to the court at Bendigo Mazda Oval in Kangaroo Flat’s Dower Park.
The Janelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo will be determined to maintain a high level of pressure across every quarter.
When these clubs last met on June 19, Kangaroo Flat won the round eight showdown at Queen Elizabeth Oval by 35 goals.
The Jaydon Cowling-coached Kangaroos have a win-loss record of 9-0, drew at Gisborne, and are a tough opponent at home, or any court.
When the league last played, South Bendigo scored a 29-goal win against Kyneton in the QEO clash on July 10.
Kangaroo Flat won a great contest with Gisborne, 40-38.
The ladder-leading Sandhurst plays Kyneton at the QEO.
A win for Kyneton would keep the heat on the fifth-placed Eaglehawk, but the Dragons look to have too much firepower for the Tigers.
The round eight match at Kyneton Showgrounds ended in a 49-28 win for Sandhurst.
It’s been a longer stint on the sidelines for Eaglehawk as the July 10 fixture had the Borough at Castlemaine, which is not fielding an A-grade team.
The Hawks make the trek to Strathfieldsaye this Saturday to face Storm at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
Storm’s confidence will be up after a six-goal win at Maryborough’s Barkers Oval in Princes Park in the 12th round.
The previous showdown between Eaglehawk and Strathfieldsaye ended in a 59-48 win for the Two Blues on their court at S & R Park in Canterbury Park.
Maryborough hosts Gisborne at Barkers Oval in Princes Park.
In round eight, Gisborne beat the Magpies by 30 goals at Gardiner Reserve.
The team in red, white and blue should take the points again.
Golden Square will play Castlemaine in the lower grades at Fur Life Vet Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 188 per cent, 44 points; Kangaroo Flat 188, 42; Gisborne 153, 38; South Bendigo 32, 106; Eaglehawk 91, 24; Kyneton 66, 20; Strathfieldsaye 71, 16; Golden Square 51, 12; Maryborough 65, 8.
Written by Nathan Dole.