Coastal rivals OPSM Devon and Burnie Tigers do battle knowing that the season series between the sides stands at one a piece so the victor will leave with regional bragging rights. Burnie will also be hopeful to defeat Devon by enough of a margin to move above them at the foot of the table in the battle to avoid last place. Devon coach Jo Aherne is looking for her side to put in an improved showing against Burnie on Friday night.
“Devon is looking to improve on its previous match against Burnie Tigers this Friday. Devon goalie Ashlea Mawer will receive close attention from Lucy Norton and the result of this match up will considerably influence the final score.”
Country Club Cavaliers meet northern rivals Myrtle Ridge Northern Hawks knowing they will require victory to remain atop the ANZ State League ladder with Arrows breathing down their neck in second place. Northern Hawks will see this as an opportunity to all but ensure their place in the finals coming in to the final weekend. Hawks coach Kellie Woolnough is urging her team to keep it tight and the pressure up against the competition leaders.
“Hawks need to play a tight defensive game to keep Cavalier shooters under pressure and out of position to prevent them from gaining control on the scoreboard.” Woolnough said.
Despite wanting a defensive effort centred on full court pressure Woolnough expects the game to be a great spectacle of high quality netball.
“Any time these two teams have met in recent times has provided a great netball spectacle and this week will be no different.”
Lexus Arrows will be looking to keep hold of the double chance and a shot at top spot when they do battle against St Lukes Karana Flames on Friday night in Hobart. Arrows fresh off a victory against top two rivals Cripps will look got keep the pressure on Cavaliers in top spot and further distance themselves from teams in third and fourth. Arrows coach Andrew Jackson expects a tough contest against Karana.
“We are expecting a tough game against Karana. Each time we have played them; they have given us some strong competition and at their best can match it with the teams in the top four. They will be full of confidence after a good showing in Launceston and a comfortable win against Kingston last week. “Jackson said.
Cripps Waratah after a defeat to fellow top two rivals Arrows will be looking to bounce back when they face Glendon Kingston Blues in Friday night’s other all southern affair. Cripps will need a win and rely on teams above them dropping points in the final three rounds to secure a double chance. Cripps coach Aaron Pidgeon feels that his team is still a legitimate premiership chance top two or otherwise.
“We were disappointed with our loss to Arrows last week, but buoyed by the fact that we felt we played quite poorly yet only lost by one goal. To that end we feel that we are able to quickly rectify our issues from last week and remain firmly in the frame for a run at the premiership despite the fact that we will likely have to get there from outside of the top two.” Pidgeon said
|
Friday 30th May
|
Devon
|
v
|
Burnie
|
USC
|
6.30 / 8.15
|
|
Friday 30th May
|
Cavaliers
|
v
|
Hawks
|
S/D
|
6.30 / 8.15
|
|
Friday 30th May
|
Kingston
|
v
|
Cripps
|
KSC
|
6.30 / 8.15
|
|
Saturday 31st May
|
Karana
|
v
|
Arrows
|
ASS
|
6.30 / 8.15
|
END
