NETBALL PREVIEW | Round 2 HDFNL

 

Blues faced fired-up Demons on Toolleen court

MOUNT Pleasant will face White Hills on Easter Saturday in the second round of the Bendigo Bank Heathcote District Football Netball League’s A-grade netball action.

The Blues will be on the rebound from a first-up loss at Elmore as White Hills aims for consecutive victories after a home-court win against Lockington Bamawm United.

When the Blues and Demons last met in round six of the 2021 season the score was locked on 41-all when the final whistle sounded at White Hills.

This time the match will be played on Mount Pleasant’s court at Toolleen.

The Blues face a tough task against the Lauren Bowles-coached White Hills which overcame a slow start and spirited opponent in LBU to win 61-41.

Key players in the Demons’ win included Zoe Kennedy and Liv Treloar in attack.

From a 0-2 start to the season, North Bendigo faces a huge challenge against the unbeaten Elmore.

A bonus for the red, white and blue is being on their home court at Hibo Hotel Oval in North Bendigo’s Atkins Street.

North Bendigo coach Shellie Davies will look strong defence in all thirds of the court against such a powerful opponent.

After a 35-48 loss at home in the season opener against Heathcote, North Bendigo did fight back for in a 40-54 result on Colbinabbin’s court at M.J. Morgan Oval.

Hot favourite for the premiership after last season’s unbeaten run, Elmore has started a new campaign in style.

The Bloods won 59-33 at home against Mount Pleasant after a 55-41 victory the previous round at Colbinabbin.

A formidable attack led by co-coach Gabe Richards and classy youngster Abbey Hromenko will test North Bendigo’s defence in all quarters.

Lockington Bamawm United takes on Heathcote at Lockington.

The Jessie Hardess-coached LBU showed significant improvement to score 41 goals at White Hills in round one.

Wing attack Maddy Atherton played a starring role for LBU.

The Saints went down 29-48 in their home game against Huntly at Barrack Reserve.

Heathcote went into the clash with the Hawks without coach and gun mid-courter Brooke Bolton.

LBU will be confident of breaking its winless run, but the task will not be easy.

After a first-round bye, Leitchville Gunbower will be in action at Huntly’s Strauch Reserve against the Hawks.

The Bombers take on a new-look Huntly which took the points against the Saints.

Players to watch in the Hawks’ line-up include Sophie Disher at goal attack, Serryn Eenjes at goal defence, mid-court Taylor Mann, and Sarah Chalmers.

Colbinabbin has the bye.

Heathcote DFNL A-grade netball ladder:

Elmore 154 per cent, 8 points; Huntly 165, 4; White Hills 148, 4; Colbinabbin 100, 4; Heathcote 92, 4; North Bendigo 73, 0; Lockington Bamawm United 67, 0; Mount Pleasant 55, 0; Leitchville Gunbower 0, 0.

 

Written by Nathan Dole.