Strikers take on Warriors from west

BENDIGO Strikers are primed for showdowns with Western Warriors in Wednesday night’s seventh round of the Victorian Netball League’s championship and 23-under action.

The Tracey Brereton-coached Strikers will aim to build on momentum of recent weeks by outpointing Western Warriors in the championship match on court 11 at the State Netball Centre in Parkville. Play tips off at 8.30pm.

Bendigo’s showdown with the Warriors follows last Wednesday night’s game against Casey Demons who had a 1-4 record rolling into that match.

The Strikers netted their first VNL victory in a dominant display against Peninsula Waves in the fifth round.

Although it had just eight players available, Bendigo was superb from the opening pass. Goal shooter Milly Brock poured in 51 goals and goal attack Teal Hocking added 26 in a 77-35 result.

Many of the Strikers will be opponents when Kangaroo Flat takes on Sandhurst in this Saturday’s first round of the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s A-grade netball competition.

A Kangaroo Flat team coached by Jayden Cowling includes Strikers mid-courters Ashley Ryan, Chelsea Sartori and Milly Wicks.

Sandhurst’s team coached by Tamara Gilchrist includes Strikers defenders Heather Oliver, Charlotte Sexton, Imogen Sexton and Ruby Turner, and mid-court general Meg Williams.

Although winless at 23-and-under level, the Strikers have put in some strong performances.

Bendigo’s clash with Peninsula ended in a 54-48 win for the Waves.

Harriet Gall, Chloe Langley and Mia McCrann-Peters are among the key players in the Jayden Cowling-coached team.