BY NATHAN DOLE
TWO big games of A-grade netball will be played in this Saturday’s 18th round of the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL season.
In the last of the home and away rounds, Newbridge takes on Pyramid Hill at Beck Legal Oval in Newbridge’s Riverside Park.
Not far away and Marong is at home to play Mitiamo at Malone Park.
Both matches will be important for all four teams in the build-up to the finals action.
It’s fifth against fourth and an elimination final preview between Newbridge and Pyramid Hill.
Even if Pyramid Hill wins and third-placed Marong is beaten the ladder order will not change as the Panthers are 40 per cent clear of the Hill’s line-up.
Newbridge is back in action after the bye, while Pyramid Hill had to fight incredibly hard for a 36-33 win against Inglewood last round.
In round nine the Gemma Scott-coached Pyramid Hill beat Newbridge, 41-25.
A high for the Selina Holland-coached Newbridge was a 51-48 win against the ladder-leading Maiden Gully YCW in the sixth round.
It’s third against second as Marong hosts Mitiamo at Malone Park.
Both teams are in great form.
The Sue Borserio-coached Marong scored a 14-goal win against Bridgewater last Saturday as the Panthers celebrated their Golden Jubilee.
Mitiamo marked a 67-goal win against Bears-Lagoon Serpentine at Mitiamo’s John Forbes Oval.
The round nine showdown between Mitiamo and Marong ended in a 62-53 victory for the Jen Wilson-coached Mitiamo.
Calivil United is at home to play Inglewood.
Both teams will be determined to end the season on a high.
The Chelsea Hicks-coached Calivil United will be chasing win number four.
This season’s run for the Demons includes a 48-26 victory at Inglewood’s Dissy Machinery Oval in the ninth round.
Jointly coached by Helen Ward and Dianne Wayman, Inglewood put in a superb effort against Pyramid Hill last Saturday.
A young team representing the Blues will be determined to keep that momentum rolling in the final hit-out of the ’23 season.
Bears-Lagoon Serpentine faces Maiden Gully YCW at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve.
Been a tough season for the Stacee Burns-coached Bears whose goal against the Eagles will be to win a quarter or two.
Daunting task against the Adam Boldiston-coached Maiden Gully YCW as it builds up for another finals campaign and chance to claim back-to-back premierships.
The Eagles passed the 80-goal mark in their latest hit-out.
The Aimie Brown-coached Bridgewater has the bye.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL A-grade netball competition:
Maiden Gully YCW 179 per cent, 56 points; Mitiamo 168, 48; Marong 154, 46; Pyramid Hill 113, 42; Newbridge 102, 32; Bridgewater 84, 28; Calivil United 73, 12; Inglewood 49, 8; Bears-Lagoon Serpentine 45, 0.