BY NATHAN DOLE
LADDER leaders Sandhurst and Gisborne meet in this Saturday’s 16th round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
Unbeaten in its pursuit of a fifth consecutive premiership, Sandhurst has home-court advantage at Queen Elizabeth Oval for the match of the day.
The Dragons and Bulldogs have plenty of ability in all thirds of the court and have been league powerhouses for several seasons.
Defences were well on top when Sandhurst played on Gisborne’s court at Gardiner Reserve in the seventh round.
On that occasion the Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst won 38-32.
Both teams recorded impressive victories last Saturday.
Sandhurst marked the trek west to Maryborough’s Princes Park by scoring a 90-33 win against the Magpies.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne marked a 63-12 win at home against Golden Square.
Having strengthened its position in the top five, South Bendigo will be back at Harry Trott Oval in Neale Street, Kennington to take on Maryborough.
The Jannelle Hobbs-coached South Bendigo scored a vital 61-52 win against Strathfieldsaye Storm at Triple M Park last Saturday.
Victory put the Bloods four points clear of Storm at three rounds to go in the regular season.
South Bendigo will be confident of taking the points against the young Maryborough line-up.
In round seven the Bloods won 68-18 against the Jordan Macilwain-coached Magpies at Princes Park.
Kangaroo Flat is on its court at Dower Park to take on Strathfieldsaye.
The Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos dominated most of last Saturday’s match at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park to score a 65-20 victory.
On the rebound from defeat, the Steph Freemantle-coached Strathfieldsaye faces an opponent which poured in 80 goals when they last met.
Kyneton and Eaglehawk clash at Kyneton Showgrounds.
The Dianne Guest-Oakley coached Kyneton will be determined to play well at home.
Although beaten last round there was a lot to like in the Tigers’ play in a 40-48 loss at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve.
The Kylie Piercy-coached Hawks will be aiming to improve markedly on their attacking output after being held to a tally of 20 by the Kangaroos.
Final margin was just three goals when Kyneton won 41-38 at Eaglehawk in the seventh round.
Golden Square is on its court at Fur Life Oval in Wade Street to take on Castlemaine.
Been a tough run for the Benita Swatton-coached Golden Square, especially at Gisborne last round.
In fourth place on the ladder, the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Castlemaine will be determined to put in a strong showing.
The Magpies beat the Bulldogs, 71-36 at Camp Reserve earlier in the season.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Sandhurst 223 per cent, 60 points; Gisborne 187, 52; Kangaroo Flat 167, 44; Castlemaine 121, 42; South Bendigo 108, 30; Strathfieldsaye 93, 26; Kyneton 92, 22; Eaglehawk 71, 12; Maryborough 56, 12; Golden Square 36, 0.