Strikers take on Warriors

BENDIGO Strikers will be aiming to mark a two-nil start to their championship campaign this Sunday when they play Western Warriors in Victorian Netball League action.

The showdown between the Strikers and Warriors will be played at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium in Melton from 2.30pm.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers made a superb start to their second season of VNL action by scoring a 34-goal victory against Peninsula Waves last Sunday.

Plenty of netball fans were at Bendigo’s Red Energy Arena to watch the Strikers across the championship and under-23 matches.

The Strikers made a brilliant start to the championship clash as they raced to a 26-9 lead by quarter-time.

Bendigo’s intensity did not let up as it won the second term 22-13.

An evenly-fought third quarter ended with the Strikers in front 56-33.

By the final siren the Strikers led 74-40.

Teal Hocking finished with a match-high 26 goals as the attack capitalised on the skill and workrate of mid-courters Chelsea Sartori, Ashley Ryan, Milly Wicks, Ruby Turner and Meg Williams.

The Strikers defence included Charlotte Sexton as goalkeeper.

Bendigo’s squad includes the experienced Heather Oliver, Gabe Richards and talented shooter Bridgette Furphy.

The Western Warriors went down 41-85 against City West Falcons in the March 12 match at the State Netball Centre in Parkville.

The Strikers are third in a championship race led by City West Falcons and Boroondara Express.

It was a one-goal thriller between Bendigo and Peninsula in the under-23 match on Sunday at REA.

Faced with a two-goal deficit at quarter-time, Strikers led 26-25 by half-time and 38-37 with a quarter to play.

Consecutive goals by Mia McCrann-Peters put the Strikers up 48-46 in the final minute.

The Waves scored the final goal as Strikers won 48-47.

The Strikers take on the Warriors this Sunday from 12.30pm at Cobblebank.