TWO crucial matches will be played in this Saturday’s sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League.
It’s third against second as North Bendigo faces Colbinabbin at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street.
Both teams were victorious last Saturday.
North Bendigo withstood a spirited fight by Heathcote to win on the Saints’ court at Pigeon Park in Barack Reserve by three goals.
Colbinabbin was too strong for White Hills at M.J. Morgan Reserve in Colbinabbin.
The Grasshoppers’ tally of 67 goals was the second-best of the season and the defence worked hard to hold the Demons to 47.
Mid-court duels will be crucial as North Bendigo fights for the points and to hold third place in the premiership race.
Colbinabbin faces another big test in consecutive weeks.
White Hills is back at home at Tint-A-Car Oval in Scott Street to play Mount Pleasant.
In next Saturday’s sixth round, White Hills and Mount Pleasant clash at Tint-A-Car Oval in Scott Street, White Hills.
The run for the Lauren Bowles-coached White Hills is loss to Elmore at home, victory against Leitchville Gunbower at home, bye, win at North Bendigo, beat Heathcote at home, loss at Colbinabbin.
Mount Pleasant is fifth in the league standings and will be determined to break the Demons’ stranglehold on contests between the clubs at Scott Street.
The Blues beat the Demons by eight goals at White Hills in the 2014 campaign.
Since then White Hills has dominated by margins of 26, 42, 11, 29 and 44 goals.
Both line-ups have changed markedly for this season.
Leitchville Gunbower faces Elmore at Degroot Roof Painting Oval in Leitcvhille.
It’s another daunting task for the Bombers who were beaten by 25 goals on Mount Pleasant’s court at Toolleen and now face the unbeaten league leader.
Pressure through the mid-court and being able to force turnovers will be a key to Leitchville Gunbower’s play as it works to limit scoring opportunities for Elmore’s gun goalers.
Huntly will be eyeing a chance to regain fifth place when it takes on Lockington Bamawm United at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval in Huntly’s Strauch Reserve.
The Hawks are on the rebound from a 26-goal loss at Elmore and face an LBU line-up fresh from the bye.
Huntly must win and also rely on White Hills beating Mount Pleasant to climb into the top five.
Heathcote has the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 186 per cent, 20 points; Colbinabbin 146, 16; North Bendigo 119, 12; White Hills 110, 12; Mount Pleasant 97, 8; Huntly 95, 8; Heathcote 83, 8; Lockington Bamawm United 53, 0; Leitchville Gunbower 45, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole