WITH finals only six weeks away, Round 13 gives lower clubs one last ditch effort to turn their season around. Last week, the Buffs were mighty but inaccurate, so this Saturday could provide as a tune-up against the Wanderers. The Saints suffered an honourable loss against the Warriors in a battle of attrition, but perhaps a win against Tracy Village will raise their spirits. The Queen Ants have recovered their lost crown and now wear it with pride. Pint should have Nighcliff’s measure in their clash, as the Tigers have been underperforming. Finally, Waratah and Palmerston will face off for the second time this season. The Magpies were underwhelming in the last time they met, but with injuries mounting on the Warriors, Palmerston might cause an upset.

WANDERERS V DARWIN BUFFETTES

Saturday January 12, 10.30am

TIO Stadium

When looking at experience, ladder position and history, this match appears very one-sided. The Eagles showed heart in the last few games of 2018 but have hit a little form slump. Darwin on the other hand, has been on a rollercoaster of wins. However, Buffs forwards, Bianca Stokes, Melinda Taylor, and Machaelia Roberts have not been as damaging on the scoreboard lately. Roberts will always get plenty of the ball, but with an already powerful midfield, her talents are needed up forward. The Eagles are in for a tough game as the Buffettes look to polish their horns after the game.

TRACY VILLAGE V ST MARYS

Saturday January 12, 2pm

Tracy Village 

The intriguing match between Pint and Tracy Village turned into a flogging by the Queen Ants. The Razorbacks had no answers as they were utterly outclassed by a better team. This Saturday, a more even match-up against St Marys should ensure a good contest. The battle of Danielle Ponter and Natasha Dunn-Richards against Zhoe Clarke and Kristy Irvine is where the cream clashes. Clarke was so impressive against Pint that she was double-teamed in the centre of the ground. Irvine and Clarke link up well but will need more support from fellow rover, Bonni-Jean Mcdougall if they want to win.

NIGHTCLIFF V PINT

Saturday January 12, 6pm

TIO Oval No 2

Pint has become the mid-tier team of the women’s competition. The Queen Ants’ wins rival that of the elite teams, but their scoring percentage is severely lacking. Pint forward duo, Ellie Ryan and Danielle Suddaby will need to take advantage of the Tigers defence to give their team a much-needed boost. Samantha Barnett, Cassie Henderson and Samantha Freeman should control the clearances, but Pint forwards need to convert. Nightcliff has won only one game due to an outstanding performance by Chloe Scheer. Unfortunately for Nightcliff, Scheer has been quiet since that win and the Tigers will be looking to snap their losing streak in this game.

PALMERSTON  V WARATAH

Sunday January 13, 12pm

Asbuild Oval

Team announcements will be interesting this week as Waratah may be a few players down to face the Pies. Waratah was in complete control against St Marys for three quarters until an empty bench saw the Saints come back. With the help of a few first-gamers and Madeline Gault, the Warriors managed to hang on for the win. Now, a rejuvenated Palmerston will test the reigning premiers. Natasha Medbury is without a doubt the standout Pie that leads a strong group of young stars. Tabitha May, Janet Baird, and Jessie Brock are a few of the Under-18 representatives that make all the difference on game day. Last time these two teams met, Waratah gave the Magpies a hiding. Only time will tell if Palmerston has learned from that experience.