IT’S a tough run home for some of local netball sides, as the door to finals starts closing with just weeks remaining.
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Echuca
Remaining fixtures: Tatura (A), Kyabram (H), Benalla (A), Shepparton Swans (H), Shepparton United (A)
Key game: Shepparton Swans (A) — These two sides have the same record as each other, and are both fighting for a top two spot in the Goulburn Valley League if they can get on the run.
This is the fixture we have highlighted due to the mental demons.
On the road in Shepp, the Swans embarrassed the Bombers in one of the worst performances of the year.
As the approach finals and their premiership defence, they will be wanting to get the mental edge by dishing out some payback.
What the coach thinks: Gina Pearson — ‘‘All the sides at the top of the ladder are going to be around come the end of the season, it’s going to be a question of who has the best run home and is in the best form come the end of the year. It’s up to us to have the best possible back half of the year we can and set ourselves up for the end of the season.’’
Our thoughts: There are a lot of very good sides in the competition this year.
And we firmly believe Echuca is at the top of the pile still.
They just need to get on the run to show it.
This is the time of year when what Pearson has always said becomes true — you don’t have to be at your best all year, but you do have to be at your best when it matters.
Now it matters.
Let’s see what Echuca brings to the table.
Echuca United
Remaining fixtures: Nathalia (A), Finley (H), Katandra (H), Tongala (A), Numurkah (H)
Key game: Finley (H) — It’s a game United should win but a challenge against a Murray Netball League finals contender comes at a good time.
The Eagles will be wanting to sharpen up their skills for much bigger tests to come.
What the coach thinks: Lisa Drysdale — ‘‘Boosting our percentage is the key because it’s going to be a decisive factor in where we finish. The ladder is extremely tight but we are looking forward to the challenge ahead in coming weeks.’’
Our thoughts: United should have quite an easy road ahead coming into finals and are arguably in prime position to claim the minor premiership.
It’s hard to see the Eagles losing another game during the home and away season so they should be primed for a finals assault.
Moama
Remaining fixtures: Numurkah (A), Nathalia (H), Rumbalara (A), Barooga (H), Katandra (A)
Key game: Rumbalara (A) — Moama doesn’t lower its colours, especially not two games in a row.
Yet the magpies spoke of their draw with United as if it was a loss, and then fell to a strong Rumbalara side.
You can guarantee that one is still driving this side nuts.
So they will want to beat Rumba more than anything when this game comes around.
Watch for Moama to go off in this game.
What the coaches think: Charlotte Long — ‘‘We’re in a position with the other sides at the top of the ladder where percentage is going to be incredibly important. We still have a few difficult contests to play out this season.’’
Our thoughts: Juggernaut, need we say more.
This side is going to keep firing up and will be very difficult to beat in the final weeks of the season, especially come finals.
Tongala
Remaining fixtures: Congupna (A), Barooga (H), Finley (A), Echuca United (H), Nathalia (A)
Key game: Echuca United (H) — You don’t learn a lot about your game when you play easy sides.
You learn from the tough contests.
It will be Tonny’s second last match of the season, so this is going to be huge for them to see what they need to work on during the off-season to take the next step.
Our thoughts: Obviously, Tonny are not a great side this year.
But they are getting there.
And they will continue to get better.
Just not this year.
We will watch on in the remaining games of the season to see how they develop and what they will become, but we are more excited by the prospect of 2020 than by the final matches of season 2019.
LBU
Remaining fixtures: Mount Pleasant (H), North Bendigo (A), Elmore (H), bye
Key game: North Bendigo (A) — While it may appear a tricky game on paper, LBU should be confident with key players making their return from injuries.
At their best, the Cats have the power to push the better sides in the Heathcote District Netball League competition, so there is no reason they can’t put a dent in North Bendigo’s slim finals hopes.
What the coaches think: Rylea Cuttriss — ‘‘Netball gives us an outlet from everyday life so we want to keep enjoying ourselves. The wins might not always be coming but if we can have some fun, we will be experiencing a win in our books.’’
Our thoughts: LBU will be hoping to move on from quickly as possible from this season after a year to forget.
The coaches will learn a lot about this group in the next three weeks as they build towards 2020.
Leitchville-Gunbower
Remaining fixtures: Heathcote (H), Colbinabbin (A), Huntly (H), bye, White Hills (A)
Key game: Heathcote (H) — Saturday’s game against the Saints looms as the most likely where the Bombers will pick up the four points.
Heathcote are desperate to avoid the wooden spoon so this clash could have a little more added pressure than many would have thought.
What the coaches think: Sammi Drover — ‘‘If finals do become out of the question our biggest goal will be to stay competitive. We will continue pushing each other to be the best team we can be.’’
Our thoughts: Leitchy-Gunny will need a minor miracle if they are to make finals from here.
Closing the season out against three teams in the top five is going to take a massive effort, but they can use it as a learning curve heading into 2020.
Mathoura
Remaining fixtures: Katamatite (A), Picola United (H), Jerilderie (H), Katunga (A)
Key game: Jerilderie (H) — With the Timbercutters’ Picola and District Netball League finals chances appearing out of reach, the round 17 home clash against the Demons represents their best chance of a win.
Based on form throughout the season, Mathoura should be able to get the job done.
What the coaches think: Rohan Starkey — ‘‘The road ahead isn’t going to be easy but we’re set on giving the top eight a shake. Our biggest goal will be to win quarters against the best teams in the competition.’’
Our thoughts: Mathoura’s inconsistency makes them a difficult side to read heading into the last month of the season.
Based on current ladder positions we can only see them winning one more game before the curtains close on their season.
But such is the nature of sport anything is possible.