Strikers strive to put out Blaze

BENDIGO Strikers will be aiming to ride to victory when they play Peninsula Waves in next Wednesday’s fifth round of the Victorian Netball League’s championship action.

Both clubs will be desperate to take the points in the clash on court one at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

Despite a nil-two start in its debut VNL season the Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers have played well against the powerful Southern Saints and City West Falcons.

Bendigo’s team took on North East Blaze last Wednesday night at SNC.

Those to have impressed in the Strikers early run include Rochester’s Teal Hocking in attack and Sandhurst’s Charlotte Sexton in defence.

The play of captain Meg Williams from Sandhurst in mid-court will be crucial in breaking through the Waves defence.

At 23-and-under level, Bendigo Strikers and Peninsula Waves were yet to win across their opening three games.

They meet at 8.30pm next Wednesday night.

Tough run for the Jayden Cowling-coached Strikers included a fourth-round showdown with the ladder-leading North East Blaze.

Key players for Strikers include mid-courters Shae Clifford, Harriet Gall and Mackenzie O’Dwyer; goalshooter Torie Skrijel and Megan Wilson in defence.

Cowling said a key to the team’s chances would be limiting the tally of turnovers.

The Strikers squad includes Grace Hammond, Chloe Langley and Abbey Larkin.

Bendigo’s first home games will be played on Sunday, April 28 against Boroondara Express at Red Energy Arena in West Bendigo.

Matches will start at 2.30pm and 4pm.

Memberships available via the Strikers website.