Bloods, Castlemaine prepare for big on-court test
SOUTH Bendigo and Castlemaine face big tests in Saturday’s 13th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.
Players mark a return to the court after last Saturday’s general bye.
It’s the battle of the QEO co-tenants as Sandhurst and South Bendigo clash.
The unbeaten Sandhurst was too strong in all thirds of the court on the way to a 59-30 victory against the Bloods in the Anzac Round match on April 23.
The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst had many South Bendigo attacks turned away by goalkeeper Ruby Turner.
Fourth on the ladder, South Bendigo will be desperate to achieve an upset victory and bolster chances of a top-three finish.
The Jannelle Hobbs-coached Bloods won their latest match on the QEO court against Eaglehawk by 18 goals.
Pressure for every minute and being able to force turnovers against a well-drilled and skilful Sandhurst line-up will be key factors for the team in red and white.
Sandhurst’s latest hit-out was at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park where it beat Storm by 45 goals.
Another big match will be at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve where the Magpies take on Gisborne.
It’s fifth against third as both teams chase wins number nine and eight respectively.
The Anzac Round match at Gardiner Reserve was closely-fought.
Castlemaine led at quarter and half-time, but the home team hit back to gain a two-goal margin going into the final term.
Led by the play of Claudia Mawson at goal attack, and Tiana Newman and Maddy Stewart it was Gisborne which surged to a 43-34 victory.
Maryborough hosts Golden Square at Princes Park.
Both teams are on the rebound from defeat.
The all-Magpies showdown between Castlemaine and Maryborough in round 11 ended in a 42-goal win for ‘Maine.
Golden Square was under siege from a formidable Kangaroo Flat which passed the century mark on the Kangaroos’ court at Dower Park.
In round three, Maryborough won 41-28 at Golden Square’s Fur Life Oval as Tori Chandler, Amanda Cox and Jordan Macilwain were best.
Kyneton and Strathfieldsaye will clash at Kyneton Showgrounds.
The Tigers won 40-30 in round three at Strathfieldsaye and will start favourite to take the points against Storm.
Kangaroo Flat will make the trek to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park.
The Jayden Cowling-coached Roos scored 80 goals against the Borough on the Anzac weekend and were in hot form just two weeks ago.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 202 per cent, 44 points; Kangaroo Flat 210, 40; Gisborne 128, 32; South Bendigo 122, 30; Castlemaine 112, 28; Kyneton 78, 14; Eaglehawk 68, 12; Strathfieldsaye 67, 12; Maryborough 76, 8; Golden Square 40, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole.
