BY NATHAN DOLE
A SHOWDOWN between the second and third-placed Marong and Pyramid Hill highlights Saturday’s fourth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL competition.
Marong has home-court advantage at Malone Park for the clash with the team in red, white and blue.
The Sue Borserio-coached Panthers broke Newbridge’s winning run in round three.
After taking control in term two, Marong went on to win 67-32.
It’s been a strong start to the season by the Gemma Scott-coached Pyramid Hill.
Last Saturday’s victory by 14 goals at home against Bears Lagoon-Serpentine followed a 38-25 victory at Calivil in round two.
Bridgewater will be chasing consecutive wins when its hosts Newbridge.
The Aimie Brown-coached Bridgewater teamed well on Inglewood’s court at Dissy Machinery Oval to take the points in a 43-33 result.
Coached by Selina Holland, Newbridge will be determined to strike back after a heavy defeat at Marong’s Malone Park.
Wins against Calivil United and Bears-Lagoon Serpentine have put Newbridge on the fourth rung, but Mitiamo, Bridgewater and Inglewood are just a win behind.
The Jen Wilson-coached Mitiamo is at home at John Forbes Oval to take on Inglewood.
In round three, Mitiamo could not stop the charge by the Adam Boldiston-coached Maiden Gully YCW to victory on the Eagles’ court at Marist College Oval.
Inglewood is jointly coached by Helen Ward and Dianne Wayman.
The Blues marked their return to A-grade by winning the first-round clash with Bears-Lagoon Serpentine by 12 goals.
Bears-Lagoon Serpentine faces Calivil United at Gadsden Finance Serpentine Reserve.
The Stacee Burns-coached Bears are determined to mark a breakthrough victory.
Calivil United went down to Newbridge by two goals in the opening round and was then defeated by Pyramid Hill the next round.
After consecutive defeats at home, the Chelsea Hicks-coached Demons will bring the heat to this contest.
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles have the bye.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL A-grade netball competition:
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles 147 per cent, 12 points; Marong 172, 8; Pyramid Hill 142, 8; Newbridge 103, 8; Mitiamo 114, 4; Inglewood 66, 4; Bridgewater 65, 4; Calivil United 80, 0; Bears-Lagoon Serpentine 58, 0.