SHEPP UNITED V SHEPP SWANS
This promises to be a cracking game of netball between these two cross-town rivals.
United and the Shepparton Swans started the season with defeats.
The Swans lost by 10 goals to Mooroopna while last year’s runner-up was beaten by Shepparton.
Despite the defeats, both teams no doubt took plenty of positives from the contest.
Swans coach Courtney Simpson will be hoping her girls can get away to a fast start to put the home team under pressure.
United co-coaches Bess Schinoffsky and Jeanette Serra know that this season will require them to be patient as they re-generate the starting line-up after some key departures.
That said, Laura Cole and Olivia Kirby are two of the young Demons who are set to take on more responsibility as two of the more experienced squad members in terms of games played.
I have no doubt that Simpson will lean on Sophie Garner and Tayla Clohesy to try and help break down the Dees game, given they were part of Dees squad that went all the way to the grand final in 2022.
For mine, I think it will be the Swans in front at the final whistle.
Tip: Swans.
TATURA V MANSFIELD
Tatura will look to make it two wins on the trot when it welcomes Mansfield to the kennel.
Bulldog coach Fiona Boyer would have been thrilled by how well her team clicked against Echuca last weekend to record a resounding win.
The Bulldogs were led by mid-courter Taylor Rokahr, defender Jasmine Fraser and youngster Charlette Gray.
Mansfield struggled to go with a red-hot Euroa last weekend and the long trip to Tatura will make it a major hurdle for them to overcome as it searches for its first win of 2023.
With the Bulldogs set to get stronger with the potential inclusion of Molly Boyle, I think they should be able to take the win.
Tip: Tatura.
MOOROOPNA V SHEPPARTON
This is a clash of the titans and two of the teams I expect to be there when we get to September.
Both had statement wins in the opening round, the Cats getting past the Swans by 10 goals and Shepparton proving too strong for last year’s runner-up to the tune of 22 goals.
New Bears recruit and VNL goaler Jane Cook starred in her first appearance for the club.
She will be important in her combination with Kim Borger which will no doubt ensure the Cat defenders have their hands full trying to contain them.
Cats’ leaders Madison Wong and Dayna Williams will be important for them as will Bree Hanslow’s experience.
This should be a fantastic contest and no doubt the winner will have bragging rights in the premiership pecking order.
If Cook and Borger can click and drop their shots, then I thinking the Bears can walk away from the Cattery victorious.
Tip: Shepparton.
SEYMOUR V ROCHESTER
Reigning premier Seymour made the best possible start to its title defence when it skipped past Benalla last weekend.
Rochester made a winning start as well thanks largely to a fast finish which would have pleased coach Linda Rasmussen.
Seymour young gun Ruby Trimble made stunning debut last weekend and she will be looking to continue that form.
Mid-courter, Eloise Cuttriss was brilliant in the win last weekend by containing Bombers’ coach Elivia Hall and if it can get support from Charlee and Ella Roulston in the midcourt, then the Tigers will push the Lions.
But ultimately it will be the experience and class of the Lions which will see it prevail in the final wash up.
Tip: Seymour.
KYABRAM V ECHUCA
Both of these teams will be looking for their first win after suffering defeats in the opening round.
Kyabram was good value in its narrow loss to Rochester, only going down after losing the last quarter while Echuca was well beaten by a much-improved Tatura unit.
Echuca still has plenty of experience in its line-up and coach Belinda Lees will be turning to those girls to lift them over the line against a Kyabram team that will look to Elivia Hall through the mid-court and Jayda Richardson in goals.
Tip: Echuca.
EUROA V BENALLA
Euroa will be looking to remain unbeaten when it welcomes the winless Benalla.
Playing coach Ellie Warnock was able to rotate her starting seven in last week’s big win over Mansfield while Benalla had a tough afternoon against the reigning premier.
The Pies are expected to be one of the real contenders this season and Warnock knows the importance of not dropping these games if it wants to be taken seriously as a premiership contender.
With that in mind, I think the Pies will be too strong for the visiting Saints team.
Tip: Euroa.
