Chance to break away from the pack

Sawtell/Toormina's Zoe Clarke has her kick smothered by a Byron Bay Magpies opponent the last time the two sides met.

ROUND 8 PREVIEW: The women’s match between Sawtell/Toormina and Byron Bay Magpies is a classic ‘eight-point’ encounter.

The winner of the clash at Richardson Park on Saturday will not only jump up to third position on the ladder but will also go a long way toward ensconcing themselves in the top four as they’ll grab a decisive break on the chasing pack.

The loser will be facing the possibility of finding themselves outside of the top four.

When the Magpies and Saints last met it was Sawtell/Toormina who won by less than a kick and this clash promises to be just as close.

For the Magpies this match begins an extended period of travel where the club will need to face four long road trips in the next six weeks.

For the men’s team who’ve been undefeated so far, it is this period that will test the bona fides of any aspirations the team currently holds.

The hopes that Port Macquarie’s men’s team have of finishing the home and away season in the top two are under threat at Wayne Richards Park.

The Coffs Breakers currently sit in second place on the ladder and if they can win on the road this Saturday, the Breakers will find themselves three games clear of their nearest opponent.

Port’s women’s team is going from strength to strength having lost just the one match so far in 2023.

But the Magpies will find a challenge against the Breakers.

The Coffs team has been able to get the ball inside 50 often enough this season to be competitive but has been unable to turn forward forays into goals.

If the Breakers turn that around then they can quickly return to winning ways.

Grafton produced some ominous form a fortnight ago that has other men’s contenders suddenly looking over their shoulder.

The Tigers will make the short trip down the Pacific to Woolgoolga with an eye on proving that performance wasn’t a one-off and was instead a sign that a return to the form that saw them on top of the ladder for periods last year.

The women’s contest will see Northern Beaches aim for a 17th straight victory with the Blues’ unbeaten run which now stretches back a little over 12 months.

ROUND 8 – SATURDAY, JUNE 17

PORT MACQUARIE vs. COFFS BREAKERS at Wayne Richards Park, Port Macquarie

(10am – Under 18s, 11.50am – Women, 1.20pm – Reserves, 2.50pm – Men)

NORTHERN BEACHES vs. GRAFTON at Wiigulga Sports Complex, Woolgoolga

(12.20am – Women, 1.50pm – Men)

SAWTELL/TOORMINA vs. BYRON BAY MAGPIES at Richardson Park, Sawtell

(11.00am – Reserves (vs. Nambucca Valley), 12.30pm – Women, 2.00pm – Men)