By Topsy Underwood
LONG-TIME rivals Beaconsfield and Pakenham will battle for the first spot in the 2009 grand final this Saturday after Pakenham earned its place by smashing ROC last weekend.
Beaconsfield will go into the match with confidence because, despite loosing sharp-shooter Sarah Welch early in the season, they again finished off as minor premiers and flag favourites.
Beaconsfield has won by 11 goals in both the last two times the sides have met and there are several key match-ups that are always exciting to watch.
The league’s two strongest defenders in Lion Jodie Bird and Eagle Bridget Gargan will put on an exciting show. Bridget’s speed will be matched with opponent Melinda Williamsons and her height and reach will be a great advantage.
At the other end, Beaconsfield’s Regan Brokenshire will have to work hard in the goal ring and will have to cover Jodie’s strong drive out of defence if there is a turnover.
Beaconsfield’s Jasmine Maddox and Kellie Holland will thrive on the physicality of Michelle Webster and Lauren Cherry through the mid-court. All four love a challenge and play their best netball in tight tussles.
Lions coach Simon O’Shannesy, despite being unusually quiet on the sidelines in the last few weeks, will have plenty to say to his charges this Saturday.
Have his recruits got what it takes to conquer the powerful Beaconsfield empire?
I don’t think so and Beaconsfield will win a close match by around nine goals.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:FIRST SEMI-FINAL
It was great to see Keysborough’s side make it into the second round of finals this year in the match against ROC. Some believed their season was over when one of their key players in Sophie Bartlett walked out on them early in the year but they regrouped well.
Goaler Jo Amott has adapted well with Tennille Voss, who has really stepped up in the goal shooter position.
ROC beat Keysborough in their first meeting early in the season but Keysborough rolled ROC by eight goals in round 17.
ROC was without stalwart Nicole Robbins and her availability for this week’s game is questionable after she was seen last week with an obvious limp.
ROC needs Nicole fit and at her best to help strengthen their attack and the question is if she plays, will her injury hold up enough for her to get through the game?
Jackie Dwyer also missed that game and will match up well with Keysborough’s fast mid-court, which is the strength of the side along with defender Elizabeth Evans.
It is do or die for these two teams. If Keysborough plays precise and clean netball they may have a chance but if ROC can get their best seven on the court they will be hard to beat and win by six goals.
