Ladder position doesn’t matter in Women’s derbies
Photo: Green Shoots Marketing
This week’s Women’s matches sees the top two teams taking on opponents at the opposite end of the ladder, but that doesn’t mean much in a derby showdown.
Undefeated Coffs Harbour Breakers make the short trip across town to play local rivals Sawtell Toormina Saints. These two teams have a healthy rivalry that dates back to the start of the Women’s competition with Breakers holding the upper hand in recent times.
The Saints recorded their first win last time out and have benefited from last week’s rest. “The win was a great confidence boost for our players and they’re keen to put in another strong performance this week to build some momentum and set ourselves up for the back half of the season,” said Sawtell coach Bec Minichilli.
Breakers coach Brad Giri knows that his team can’t afford to take the Saints lightly.
“We’ve had a great start to the season and want to keep that run going. Sawtell are building week on week and we need to respect the direction they’re heading in. If we stay focused on playing our way we’ll give ourselves every chance of getting a good result.”
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Despite their lofty ladder position, this week’s match against the Grafton Tigers represents a danger match for the Northern Beaches Blues.
Coming off the week of the bye can often trip up teams if they can’t find their feet quickly and settle into their normal game plan.
Blues coach Adrian Roberts acknowledged the risk the Tigers pose.
“The Grafton girls are starting to find their feet at this level and aren’t far off claiming their first win.
“We’ve had a good week on the training paddock and need to make sure that translates into match play when the ball goes up for the first time.”
Despite not having won a match, the Grafton Tigers women have earnt a lot of respect in this year’s competition.
“Each week we set ourselves targets within matches and this is how we measure our improvement. As a new team with plenty of players in their first year we can see that weekly growth and the girls are loving that positive reinforcement.”
ROUND 8 FIXTURE – SATURDAY 19 JUNE
SAWTELL/TOORMINA vs COFFS BREAKERS at Richardson Park, Sawtell
(10.00am – Under-17s; 11.50am – Women; 1.20pm – Reserves; 2.50pm – Seniors)
NORTHERN BEACHES vs GRAFTON at Centennial Oval, Woolgoolga
(11.50am – Women; 1.20pm – Reserves; 2.50pm – Seniors)
NB/ Tigers under-17s playing Inverell at Grafton at 10.30am.
CASINO LIONS vs LISMORE SWANS at Queen Elizabeth Park, Casino
(1.00pm – Seniors)
PORT MACQUARIE vs NAMBUCCA VALLEY at Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie
(2.00pm – Seniors)
