Richards keeps starring in attack

A FIRST-year player in the Victorian Netball League’s championship action, Gabe Richards has had hot hands in the Bendigo Strikers run.

Richards and her team-mates face Gippsland Stars in next Wednesday’s eighth round of Victorian Netball League championship and 23-and-under action.

Showdowns between the Strikers and Stars will be played on court two at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

Action begins at 7pm when the championship teams take to the court.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers faced Geelong Cougars last Wednesday night at Netball Victoria’s home.

It was Richards who had a starring role as Bendigo netted a 56-41 victory on April 23 against Wilson Southern Storage Saints at Parkville.

Richards poured in 40 goals as Teal Hocking and Bridgette Furphy added 13 and three goals.

The Strikers were in control for most of the contest.

After charging to a 19-7 lead by quarter-time, Bendigo won the next two quarters, 11-10 and 17-10.

The Saints fought on strongly to win the last term, 14-9.

A talented Strikers squad includes Sandhurst’s Ruby Turner at wing defence and Dragons’ team-mate Charlotte Sexton as goalkeeper.

Those used in the mid-court rotations against the Saints included Kangaroo Flat’s Chelsea Sartori, Milly Wicks and Ashley Ryan, and Sandhurst’s Meg Williams.

A hard-fought victory by Bendigo against the Saints in the 23-and-under match meant Strikers had a win-loss tally of 5-1 after six matches.

It was a tough lead-in to the clash with Gippsland as the Tracey Brereton-coached Bendigo team played Geelong, 5-1, last Wednesday night.

Next Wednesday’s 23-and-under clash with the Stars will start at 8.45pm.

The Strikers mark their second home games of the season at Red Energy Arena on Marong Road in West Bendigo on Sunday, May 18.

Bendigo will play Hawks Netball in the 23-and-under match from 1.30pm and championship contest from 3pm.