Strikers eye chance against Hawks

BENDIGO Strikers will eye a great chance to keep the heat on the top five in next Wednesday night’s Victorian Netball League championship match against Hawks Netball.

The Strikers and Hawks meet on court three at the State Netball Centre in Parkville from 7pm.

These clubs met in the 10th round.

A closely-fought contest went the way of the Hawks, 59-53.

The Hawks’ attack was led by Kaylia Stanton and Jessica Tetley on 36 and 19 goals.

Milly Brock scored 39 goals for Bendigo.

A strong defensive unit for the Strikers includes Sandhurst clubmates Heather Oliver, Charlotte Sexton and Ruby Turner.

An attack that includes Teal Hocking will aim to capitalise off the work of mid-court aces Ash Ryan, Chelsea Sartori and Meg Williams.

In its debut VNL season, Bendigo Strikers went into this week’s 14th round clash with Wilson Southern Storage Saints in eighth place on a 4-7 record.

The Strikers were back on court after a 51-41 victory at home against Geelong Cougars on May 19 at Red Energy Arena in West Bendigo.

At 23-and-under level, Bendigo Strikers had marked consecutive victories leading into last Wednesday night’s clash with Southern Saints.

Massive test for the Jayden Cowling-coached Strikers against Hawks Netball next Wednesday from 8.30pm on court three at SNC.

The Hawks line-up had soared to 12 wins and drew another match in the opening 13 rounds.

Key players for Bendigo Strikers include Harriet Gall, Grace Hammond and Mackenzie O’Dwyer in mid-court, and Mia McCrann-Peters in attack.