TWO new sides will enter the Big V Women’s competition, with Round 1 of the Championship Division kicking off over the weekend. Eight teams will compete in this year’s top flight, with Chelsea Gulls and Pakenham Warriors determined to have an impact when they take to the court on Saturday and Sunday respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though last season did not get finished, the two sides will replace four as Casey and Keilor, and the bottom two sides Hawthorn and Whittlesea in the women’s Championship, with last year’s ladder leaders Bulleen Boomers looking to repeat their 13-1 start to 2021, this year. Sunbury Jets (12-2) and McKinnon Cougars (11-3) were the other standout teams, with Wyndham (6-7), Hume City Broncos (4-10) and Southern Peninsula Sharks (4-10) rounding out the sides coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the two newcomers can be competitive from the get-go, then the Chelsea and Wyndham clash should be one to keep tabs on, especially with the Gulls at home in Patterson River. Pakenham has a baptism of fire on Sunday up against one of the key contenders in McKinnon. Bulleen will start heavy favourites against Hume City Broncos on Saturday night despite having to travel north to Broadmeadows. Rounding out the four clashes, Southern Peninsula Sharks host Sunbury Jets at in the longest road trip for the latter in the Big V Women’s Championship. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As one of the team’s to watch this season, Bulleen had a power-packed side featuring WNBL stars Rebecca Cole<\/a> and Louella Tomlinson<\/a>, as well as the dynamic Kate Gaze<\/a> who took out the Boomers’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Though lists are yet to be confirmed publicly, the Boomers are tipped to be amongst the strongest sides once again. The Hume City Broncos had names such as Charlotte Lord<\/strong> and Paige Tawaf <\/strong>who were long-range shooters last season, whilst Hayley Wynd<\/strong> was massive off the boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1 FIXTURES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday, March 19:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chelsea vs. Wyndham | Patterson River Stadium @ 6pm Sunday, March 20:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n McKinnon vs. Pakenham | GESAC @ 12pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hume vs. Bulleen | Broadmeadows Basketball Stadium @ 7:30pm
Southern Peninsula vs. Sunbury | Hillview Stadium @ 7pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n