THE showdown between Maiden Gully YCW Eagles and Mitiamo highlights this Saturday’s seventh round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League season.
Maiden Gully has home-court advantage at Marist College Oval.
There’s plenty at stake as an Eagles’ victory would mean it soars above Mitiamo to the second rung on the ladder.
Maiden Gully YCW teamed superbly in last Saturday’s match above Calivil to win by 12 goals and break the Demons’ unbeaten run.
Leisa Barry and coach Christie Griffiths were among the Eagles best.
The Laura Hicks-coached Mitiamo will be primed for this challenge.
A four-time winner of the Helen Ward Medal as the league’s A-grade best and fairest, Hicks still plays a key role in the Superoos attack.
Mitiamo scored a 64-29 in the round five match against Pyramid Hill on the Superoos’ court at John Forbes Oval.
Another big match will be at Holloway Air Riverside Oval in Newbridge where the Maroons take on Bridgewater.
Newbridge will be chasing back-to-back wins after a 46-23 victory against Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
The fifth-placed Mean Machine has far superior percentage to Newbridge, but is only a win clear of the Maroons.
Bridgewater is also refreshed by the bye.
The ladder-leading Marong returns to the Malone Park court to take on Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
A great run by Marong includes five victories and a draw with Mitiamo.
The Panthers should be too strong for the Bears in this contest.
Pyramid Hill and Calivil United clash at Mitchell Park.
Both teams are on the rebound from defeat, but a fired-up Demons line-up will start favourite to take the points.
Inglewood has a bye in the lower grades of netball this round.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL A-grade netball competition:
Marong 134 per cent, 22 points; Mitiamo 142, 18; Maiden Gully YCW 153, 16; Calivil United 116, 16; Bridgewater 118, 12; Newbridge 70, 8; Pyramid Hill 56, 4; Bears Lagoon Serpentine 55, 0; Inglewood 0, 0.
Written by Nathan Dole.