IT was supposed to be the early season blockbuster: two cross-town rivals clashing after a controversial move that effectively saw three leading players leave Hampden League’s reigning premier and head to the enemy. The fact Warrnambool and South Warrnambool are both undefeated is another ingredient to add anticipation to their round three duel. But the game isn’t quite what it was expected to be because former Blues premiership stars Holly Greene and Meleita Finnigan will be unavailable for the Roosters. Defender Greene has basketball commitments while mid-courter Finnigan is going away for the long weekend. The player who caused the club-hopping, Emily-Rose Finnigan, will still take to the court at Reid Oval for the Roosters. Another netballer hoping to prove herself against her former side tomorrow is Cobden shooter Hayley Plozza, who will lead the Bombers against Terang Mortlake.
NORTH Warrnambool Eagles might want to send out a memo to its supporters to take torches to next week’s night match at Cobden. The Bombers’ round two night encounter with Port Fairy was not played on the usual seniors court. Seagulls coach Nicole Dwyer said it was played on the court beside it under league instructions. “Down one end of the court it was quite dark,” she said. “There weren’t any fumbles because of it and someone didn’t get whacked in the face with the ball but people did have to concentrate a bit harder. We didn’t complain but maybe we should’ve and said that it’s why we didn’t get our goals in,” she joked. The coach suggested a bright coloured-ball, such as yellow or hot pink, be used for the next night match.
PORT Fairy’s Sarah Moroney hasn’t just stepped into senior netball. She’s leapt into it. After two rounds, the 14-year-old is sharing the lead in the MVP award with Koroit’s Louise McLean and Warrnambool duo Emma O’Keeffe and Jacqui Bowman. Each has five votes. Port coach Nicole Dwyer was impressed with both Sarah and her older sister Rebecca, 16. “Sarah’s playing 15 and under and A grade and Rebecca’s playing 17s and A grade,” Dwyer said. “Sarah played a quarter (in seniors) at the end of the last season but she was only 13. She’s been playing goal keeper and wing defence this year and is doing very well.”
SOUTH Rovers has been hit by an injury plague but coach Kylie Carter is staying positive. The versatile Aimee Drew is out indefinitely due to a knee injury while Carter’s sister, goaler Haley Kelson, is also suffering from a knee injury. “She’s having an MRI next Friday but she’ll probably play this week because it’s not feeling too bad,” Carter said. “Aimee’s isn’t looking great. “She’s thinking a knee reco but that’s the worse-case scenario.” Lauren Aitchison (ankle) will miss tomorrow’s match against Deakin University. “It’s not looking that great for us at the moment but it’s giving other players a chance to come up,” Carter said. “Last week we had under 17 Chelsea Paulin and A reserve player Leah Seagle play a half each. There’s a bit of depth there.” Former Port Fairy player Mandy Knee, who Carter said could play at either end of the court, will pull on the Lions’ bodysuit tomorrow. “I haven’t really spoken to her (about playing permanently) but fingers crossed she can,” the coach said.
THE Warrnambool Mermaids’ road trip to Mildura this weekend for the top-of-the-table clash with the Heat will mean several netballers are missing from sides tomorrow. Louise McLean, Carly Pulling (Koroit), Darcy Saunders, Shelley Hunt (Warrnambool), Holly Greene (South Warrnambool) and Brooke Rudezky (East Warrnambool) will all be absent.
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