GVL | Kyabram welcomes Mansfield in must-win encounter

By Daniel Webb

Jun 16, 2022

Future star: Kyabram’s Isla Carver is one to watch for Kyabram with the youngster involved with the A-grade setup. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

It is shaping up to be another exciting weekend of Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball, with the race to finals well and truly alive.

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A number of teams remain in the hunt for a place in the top six on the ladder, however for some, things are becoming do-or-die.

Two of these teams, Kyabram and Mansfield, will meet on Saturday afternoon in Kyabram, with both sides desperately in need of the four points.

The Bombers have had an unlucky start to the season, with injuries and COVID-19 having an impact on results.

Last week, the side went down to Shepparton by just one goal, with the result another in a long line of close games for the Bombers.

Kyabram coach Sara Kent said her side was disappointed with the end result against Shepparton.

“I think it sparked a bit of extra determination in the girls and we’re really eager this week against Mansfield to play our netball over four quarters,” Kent said.

Kent explained the Bombers were starting to enjoy the rewards of the interleague bye, with player fitness and availability improving.

“The game against the Bears was an example of that,” Kent said.

“We’ve lost Shani Clark for the season, that’s a big loss for our leadership with a young team, so that will have an impact but gives others a chance to stand up.”

Kent said one benefit from the large number of outs this year was that it provided opportunities for junior players to develop.

Two of these young players, Isla Carver and Tash Dodos, are around-about the A-grade squad, with both youngsters strong in their positions on the court and ones to look out for in the coming months.

Kyabram’s clash with Mansfield will begin at 2.15pm in Kyabram on Sunday.

In other round 10 A-grade games, the league-leading Seymour will travel to Tatura.

The Lions were pushed all the way by Rochester last week.

With the Bulldogs another side searching for a much-needed win, coach Ellie O’Sullivan will be hoping her Lions can get over the line.

In Euroa, the Magpies will play host to the Tigers in a game that could go either way.

Euroa needs to win in order to keep its fifth-placed buffer strong, while Rochester is looking to move up the table.

Meanwhile in Benalla, the Saints will host Shepparton, with the Bears coming off a nail-biting one-goal victory; Tracey Brereton’s side will have to be at its best taking on the dangerous Saints.