BY NATHAN DOLE
Match of round on Mitiamo’s court
MITIAMO and Newbridge feature in the A-grade netball match of the day as the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley FNL hits the halfway mark of the season this Saturday.
The Jen Wilson-coached Mitiamo has home-court advantage at John Forbes Oval to take on Maroons from 3pm.
Both teams are in great form as they are locked on 24 points and hold first and third place in the premiership race.
Teams return to the court after a break for the King’s Birthday holiday weekend.
In its most recent hit-out, Mitiamo scored a 53-40 victory at Bridgewater.
The Selina Holland and Kristy Gandy-coached Newbridge won its round eight showdown with Calivil United by 27 goals.
Mitiamo’s sole defeat in seven matches was a 49-54 result at home against Pyramid Hill in the fifth round.
After a two-goal loss on its court at Walker’s Doughnuts Riverside Oval to Marong in round two, Newbridge has gone on a five-game winning streak.
Newbridge’s run included a 40-38 victory at Pyramid Hill’s Mitchell Park in Reconciliation Round on May 25.
It’s a crucial round for Marong and Maiden Gully YCW as they fight to stay in the touch with the top five.
After a two-week break the Robyn Cunnington-coached Marong will start favourite on its court against Inglewood.
The Panthers are a win and 28 per cent behind the fifth-placed Bears-Lagoon Serpentine which has the bye.
Been a tough season for the Abbey Hayes-coached Inglewood which has put some fine quarters together, but been outplayed in others.
Maiden Gully YCW Eagles are home at Marist College Oval to take on Pyramid Hill.
Another huge test for the young Eagles team coached by Adam Boldiston.
In the past two rounds Maiden Gully YCW’s losing margins have been five and six goals.
Massive test for the Eagles against the Chelsea Emmerson-coached Pyramid Hill which could end the round on top spot, provided Newbridge triumphs at Mitiamo.
Calivil United is at home to play Bridgewater.
Most recent match for the Haylee Fawcett-coached Demons was at Newbridge where they were beaten by 27 goals.
Daunting task against the fourth-placed Bridgewater which is coached by Caz Wood and Olivia Collicoat.
Bears-Lagoon Serpentine has the bye.
Standings in the Loddon Valley FNL A-grade netball competition:
Mitiamo 189 per cent, 24 points; Pyramid Hill 163, 24; Newbridge 134, 24; Bridgewater 120, 16; Bears-Lagoon Serpentine 110, 16; Marong 82, 12; Maiden Gully YCW 95, 8; Calivil United 51, 4; Inglewood 38, 0.