Echuca faces crucial Swans challenge in run to finals

It’s shaping up to be another important week of Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball action, with every game a must-win as the finals race heats up.

The top five sides in the competition have all but secured their finals spots, with Seymour, Mooroopna, Shepparton United, Euroa and Echuca all a number of games clear of the chasing pack, however the order in which they will finish is far from decided.

Outside of the competition’s top sides, the race for the final spot in the post-season is just as exciting, with a number of teams able to claim sixth position.

One game that is certain to have an impact on both races is the round 12 clash between the Shepparton Swans and Echuca.

Currently in fifth spot, the Murray Bombers will be hungry for the win, with the four points much needed in the race for a top four finish.

The Swans will be just as keen to secure the winning points, with this weekend providing an opportunity for the side to leapfrog Shepparton into sixth spot.

Echuca coach Steph Vick said she expected it to be quite a tough game.

“They (Swans) always seem to match up quite well on us,” Vick said.

“So I’m expecting some pretty fast play, the ball to be down low a lot of the time and we’re just preparing the best we can really, just to nail all of the basics with one-on-one defence and making sure we’re driving and taking the ball really strong.”

Vick said like most other teams this season the Murray Bombers had had their fair share of injuries which had brought some inconsistency to the campaign.

“I think it’s just important that we do get another win under our belt and continue to develop strength within out team and prepare ourselves as best we can come finals,” she said.

Bridget Byrne will be absent from this weekend’s line-up, while a couple of players who have been unwell should be right for the big game.

“Regardless we’re just going to put our best game out there and hopefully we connect well on court and can help each other through for a win,” she said.

On the other side of the coin, the Swans will be without coach Courtney Simpson this weekend.

Former A-grade coach Dylan Nexhip is back in town and will take over the reins for the clash, while the Shepparton side will also welcome back former player Sarah Down to help combat its extensive injury list.

Down will no doubt link up well with sister Kristy through the midcourt and add to what is shaping up to be an exciting contest.

Saturday afternoon’s clash between the Shepparton Swans and Echuca will begin at 2.15pm at Princess Park.

Another entertaining Saturday fixture is the match-up between Kyabram and Tatura.

The Bombers will welcome the Bulldogs to the Hanger for a 10th against 11th showdown.

A win to Kyabram would keep the door slightly ajar for a finals berth, while Tatura will be looking to restore some pride after a difficult year.

In the weekend’s other games, Mooroopna will face Rochester at home, while the ladder-leading Seymour will travel to Benalla.

Elsewhere, Mansfield will play host to Shepparton United and Shepparton will welcome Euroa.