Heat’s up as Strikers face Demons

BENDIGO Strikers will bring the heat when it plays Casey Demons in next Wednesday night’s sixth round of the Victorian Netball League’s championship action.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers are back on court one at the State Netball Centre in Parkville to face the Demons from 8.30pm.

Last Wednesday night Bendigo took on Peninsula Waves which followed a 54-56 loss to North East Blaze in the fourth round.

Strikers goalers Milly Brook and Teal Hocking were in great touch as they scored 23 goals apiece against the Blaze defence. It was Hocking’s 50th appearance in the VNL. The teenager from Rochester previously played for City West Falcons.

A talented mid-court for the Strikers includes captain Meg Williams, and Kangaroo Flat team-mates Chelsea Sartori and Milly Wicks.A VNL rookie, Wicks played 38 minutes in Bendigo’s clash with North East as Ruby Turner starred in defence.

After being on court for Victoria at the Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association national titles in Brisbane, Jayden Cowling will be back coaching the Strikers 23-and-under team.

Bendigo’s rising stars are also striving to net their first victory when they take on a Casey line-up at 7pm. The Demons had a 1-3 record after four rounds.

Many in the Strikers teams, championship and 23-and-under, will be on court on April 13 for the start of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo Football Netball League season.

Two of the league’s best, Kangaroo Flat and Sandhurst will play under the Dower Park lights in Kangaroo Flat.