Strikers aim to clip Falcons wings

BENDIGO Strikers will aim to clip City West Falcons wings in next Wednesday night’s Victorian Netball League championship match.

The game is a massive test for the league newcomer against the reigning premier.

After a 13-goal loss to Southern Saints in its VNL debut, Bendigo had a second-round bye.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers return to the State Netball Centre in Parkville for a round three showdown with City West.

Although disappointed by the result against the Saints, Brereton said there were many positives from the team’s first game against an established club.

After being on the sidelines for round one, captain and key mid-courter Meg Williams is likely to be right to face the Falcons.

Among the best for the Strikers in the club’s first VNL hit-out were Sandhurst teammates Imogen Sexton and Ruby Turner in defence.

Kangaroo Flat’s Milly Wicks marked her VNL debut by setting up plenty of attacks and also made some crucial intercepts in centre or at wing defence.

The attack was led by Teal Hocking, 16 goals, and Milly Brock, 15 goals, as Bridgette Furphy added 10.

The Strikers have the experience of Kangaroo Flat’s Chelsea Sartori in the centre, Sandhurst’s Heather Oliver at wing defence, and Ashley Ryan at wing attack.

Another option for defence is Charlotte Sexton.

City West was on the rebound from a one-goal loss in the season opener when it played Hawks Netball last Wednesday night at SNC.

Wednesday night’s action begins at 7pm when the Strikers take on City West in the 23-and-under match.

The Jayden Cowling-coached Strikers have faced the Saints and Gippsland Stars across the opening two rounds.

Players to watch in the 23-and-under team include Grace Hammond, goaler Chloe Langley, Abby Larkin at goal defence, and Harriet Gall in mid-court.

Both Strikers and Falcons matches will be on court three.