BFNL ROUND 6 WEEK 2 NETBALL PREVIEW
Big test for Square against Sandhurst
GOLDEN Square faces a huge test against a skilful Sandhurst team in Saturday’s end to the split sixth round of A-grade netball in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL season.
It’s more than premiership points at stake at Fur Life Oval in Golden Square’s Wade Street as both clubs compete in the Ron Best Memorial Shield matches.
The Bulldogs and Dragons honour the legendary goalkicker who played at both clubs in a brilliant career which kicked off in the late 60s, charged through the 70s, and early 80s.
On the netball court the Chris O’Sullivan-coached Golden Square will be determined to bring a high level of defensive intensity.
Although it has a one-four record, Golden Square’s been a lot more competitive in this season’s action.
A highlight was a 40-36 victory on Castlemaine’s court at Camp Reserve in round three.
Past two rounds for Golden Square have been against two of the league’s strongest teams, Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne.
The showdown with the Jayden Cowling-coached Kangaroos ended in a 35-90 loss for the blue and gold at home.
A week later and Golden Square headed down the Calder Highway to play reigning premier Gisborne at Gardiner Reserve.
The Tarryn Rymer-coached Gisborne won by 27 goals.
It’s been a disjointed run for Sandhurst.
After a 46-39 win on Kangaroo Flat’s court at Dower Park in round one, Sandhurst met Gisborne in the rematch of the ’23 grand finalists at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Another superb contest ended in a 42-38 win for Gisborne.
The Tamara Gilchrist-coached Sandhurst then had an extended break.
A bye for all of the Dragons’ teams in round three was followed by another rest a week later for A-grade because Maryborough is not fielding a line-up in the top division.
Sandhurst marked its return to the court at Queen Elizabeth Oval by scoring a 64-14 victory against South Bendigo in round five.
In last Saturday’s start to round six, Kangaroo Flat scored a 59-31 win against Strathfieldsaye on Storm’s court in Tannery Lane.
Gisborne marked its trek to Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park by winning by 28 goals.
It was a bye for Castlemaine, and also a rest for South Bendigo in A-grade as the Bloods hosted Maryborough at Kennington’s Harry Trott Oval.
For Golden Square, Saturday’s match will be just the second it plays in the run to the halfway mark of the season.
The Bulldogs are drawn to play at Maryborough in round seven, will be home to take on South Bendigo a week later on King’s Birthday weekend, and then have the bye.
Sandhurst’s run across the next few weeks is Eaglehawk at the QEO, at Strathfieldsaye’s Triple M Park in round eight, and home against Castlemaine.
Standings in the Bendigo FNL A-grade netball competition:
Kangaroo Flat 210 per cent, 16 points; Gisborne 163, 16; Strathfieldsaye 112, 12; Sandhurst 155, 8; Eaglehawk 72, 8; Castlemaine 78, 4; Golden Square 61, 4; South Bendigo 54, 4.
