AS we race towards the two-thirds mark of the 2023 Victorian Netball League season, things are starting to tighten up in the race to the end.

There is only 1.29 per cent currently separating fourth place and fifth place, and a further single per cent between fifth and sixth, meaning there really is still so much to play for.

Tonight’s Round 12 action begins with a clash between two teams who are again playing a top four opponent for a second weekend in a row.

Boroondara is coming off just its second loss of the season last week, while the Saints are coming in not only off a win but keen to keep winning and give themselves some breathing space between them and the chasing pack.

Last time these two sides met it was only a six-goal win to the Express, so there’s track history to suggest it will be a tight affair tonight.

Another potentially tight matchup tonight sees the Lightning and Cougars lock horns. Despite what their current ladder positions would suggest, last time these two sides met it was only one goal the difference.

Melbourne Uni needs the win to keep in touch with the pack currently equal fourth on points, while the Cougars need the win to catch back up to the top of the table Falcons.

On the other hand, one fixture that is not expected to be close this week is the one between the top of the table Falcons and second last Ariels.

The Ariels have struggled this season while the Falcons are looking every bit the reigning champions they are, and last time these sides met the Falcons won by 47 goals. Any realistic Ariel will be hoping to simply stem the scoring this time around.

Another side who may have a tough night at the office tonight is the Waves, who have to take on the fifth placed Blaze. The Blaze find themselves in a similar position on the ladder to the likes of the Saints and Hawks, so will want to make the most of tonight’s clash to boost percentage and jump ahead of the other two, and have a good chance to so against a Waves side who has not really looked like winning all year.

Speaking of the Hawks, they take on Casey tonight in the final match of the round and much like the Blaze, will want to make the most of playing a lower team to bank the points and percentage boost in a tight race for the top four. Casey, on the other hand, is in a similar situation to the Lightning are an in desperate need of a win to propel their floundering season forward.

Victorian Netball League Round 12 Fixture

Wilson Storage Southern Saints vs Boroondara Express
Melbourne University Lightning vs Geelong Cougars
Ariels vs City West Falcons
Peninsula Waves vs North East Blaze
Hawks Netball vs Casey Demons