Euroa hosts high stakes game against Rochester in GVL split round

Though far from simple, Rochester’s task is straightforward.

Victory keeps a finals fantasy alive, lose and it almost certainly disappears in smoke.

For Euroa, two slam dunk fixtures following this weekend mean the four points on Saturday shortens the minor premiership odds.

That comes under the proviso Seymour and Mooroopna, the other two sides locked on 48 points, still have a top six opposition to play in the final two rounds.

“I’d be very proud of the girls if we can secure ourselves a minor premiership,” Magpies coach Ellie Warnock said.

“I’d say our run home has been very similar to the other sides in the top six post round 11, coming up against at least two sides in the top six.

“At this point we are focusing on playing our best netball each week and wherever that leaves us on the ladder we will willingly take on that challenge.”

Euroa eked out a two-goal triumph over Echuca last weekend, a win which keeps it a cut above the competition.

A shave above is more accurate, considering 9.06 per cent is the leading margin.

Warnock expects the Magpies’ full rank and file to return for the Rochester game, including a player who has found a purple patch of form in goaler Mia Sudomirski.

“Last weekend was a really tough challenge against Echuca as we were missing our goal attack Mia Sudomirski,” she said.

“We had the inclusion of Sami Kreltszheim and B-grade goaler Sarah Ternes, so it took us a little while to adjust in attack as we had never played with this combination.

“This week it will be exciting to have the full squad back together and hopefully hit the ground running from the first whistle.”

Rochester’s last hit-out was a 20-goal win over Benalla, the latest in a five-game unbeaten streak.

The Tigers were dealt to by Euroa 67-48 in round nine, but have gone on to smite some big names in the form of Shepparton and Tatura since.

“We beat Rochester quite convincingly, however, considering the quality sides they’ve beaten since means we certainly don’t underestimate them leading into this match,” Warnock said.

“We expect a tough game and look forward to coming up against them for a second time.”

The other two games of the split round are touted to be more cut and dry.

Echuca heads to Benalla to play the 11th-ranked Saints, hoping to firm its spot in fourth after dropping points to Euroa last round.

And at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton hosts winless Mansfield a week on from beating co-tenant Shepparton United by six goals.