BY NATHAN DOLE
AFTER a daunting three-match streak, Heathcote aims to tip-off a winning run in this Saturday’s sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL season.
The Saints make the trek from Heathcote to Toolleen for a showdown with Mount Pleasant.
Gun mid-court Brooke Bolton who is co-coach of the Saints with Kelsey Hayes believes the match on the Blues’ court can kick-start a winning run.
Across the opening round rounds Heathcote has taken on Colbinabbin, away; White Hills away; and Elmore on the Saints’ court at Barrack Reserve.
Going into this Saturday’s play Colbinabbin is second in the premiership race, White Hills is third, and the unbeaten Elmore is on the ladder’s top rung.
Bolton and her Saints’ team-mates are expecting a tough contest at Mount Pleasant.
The Carine Comer-coached Blues have a 3-2 record and are fourth on the ladder.
Last round the Blues were at White Hills where the Demons won 52-35.
For Heathcote a goal is keep the pressure at a high level for every minute of every quarter.
Some dips in concentration have proven costly, especially against the skilful and powerful mid-court and attacking combinations that Elmore, White Hills and Colbinabbin have.
Another big match will be at Specialist Breeders Australia Oval in Huntly’s Strauch Reserve where the Hawks host Colbinabbin.
The Kym Bell-coached Hawks are back on court after the bye.
It will be a tough task for Huntly to upset Colbinabbin which dominated most of last Saturday’s clash with North Bendigo to win by 28 goals.
The fifth-placed North Bendigo is at home again at Hibo Hotel Oval in Atkins Street to take on Leitchville Gunbower.
The Shellie Davies-coached team in red, white and blue will be determined to net its third victory of the season.
After a breakthrough win last round, Lockington Bamawm United is at home to take on White Hills.
The Jessie Hardess-coached LBU scored 13-goal win at Leitchville last round, but are up against a formidable Demons team which is coached by Lauren Bowles.
Elmore has the bye.
Standings in the Heathcote DFNL’s A-grade netball competition:
Elmore 163 per cent, 20 points; Colbinabbin 161, 16; White Hills 187, 12; Mount Pleasant 93, 12; North Bendigo 85, 8; Huntly 80, 4; Heathcote 74, 4; Lockington Bamawm United 73, 4; Leitchville Gunbower 46, 0.