THIS weekend is all about ladder position consolidation as the the race to the finals heats up in the world of netball.

ANZ PREMIERSHIP

MATCH OF THE ROUND

Central Pulse vs. Northern Mystics
Monday at 7:30pm
Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua

These old rivals have had some battles over the years, and that is no doubt going to be the same on Monday night.

Last time these two sides met, the Pulse handed the Mystics their second loss in a row after winning by five goals.

Parris Mason was in fine form that night for the Pulse, and will be looking to replicate that kind of form again this weekend, trying to contain Filda Vui and stop that strong feeding connection that the Mystics have into the circle.

OTHER FIXTURES

Northern Stars vs. Southern Steel | Saturday, 4pm @ Pulman Arena, Auckland

WBOP Magic vs. Mainland Tactix | Sunday, 4pm @ Globox Arena, Hamilton

NETBALL SUPERLEAGUE

MATCH OF THE ROUND

Loughborough Lightning vs. London Pulse
Friday at 6pm
Sir David Wallace Arena

It is hard to go past a top four clash kicking off the weekend as the match of the round.

These two currently sit in second and third respectively, with one win and a goal difference of 90 the only difference between the two on the ladder.

Although recent form may suggest that the reigning champions will go into the match as favourites, the Pulse were the ones who beat the Lightning last time the sides met, which was the Lightning’s first loss of the year.

These two sides both have iconic goal shooters, who will play pivotal roles in the success of their sides this weekend.

Mary Cholhok is the top shooter in the league this season while Olivia Tchine sits at number four, with neither of their respective goal attacks anywhere to be seen in the top 10, which just shows how much of the shooting weight these two have carried this season.

OTHER FIXTURES

Severn Stars vs. Team Bath | Friday, 7:30pm @ University of Worcester Arena

Strathclyde Sirens vs. Manchester Thunder | Friday, 7:30pm @ Sports Hall, Emirates

Cardiff Dragons vs. Leeds Rhinos | Saturday, 6pm @ Utilita Arena, Cardiff

Saracens Mavericks vs. Surrey Storm | Sunday, 4pm @ Hertfordshire Sports Village

SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL

MATCH OF THE ROUND

NSW Swifts vs. Sunshine Coast Lightning
Saturday at 5pm
Ken Rosewall Arena

Although there are state rivalries happening this weekend, the Swifts and Lightning clash holds more importance in context of the rest of the season.

These two are just about dead even on the ladder, with about four percent being all that splits the sides.

These two occupy crucial points on the ladder, either side of the finals divide, and with the second half of the year progressing, wins are more important than ever.

Both sides are also missing crucial leaders at the moment, although the Lightning without Courtney Bruce seem to be fairing better than the Swifts are without Maddy Proud. The Swifts will really need to lift in the midcourt to match the Lightning’s star power in that section of the court, plus cover the gaping whole not having Proud out there leaves.

OTHER FIXTURES

Adelaide Thunderbirds vs. West Coast Fever | Saturday, 7pm @ Adelaide Entertainment Centre

GIANTS Netball vs. Queensland Firebirds | Sunday, 4pm @ Ken Rosewall Arena

Melbourne Vixens vs. Melbourne Mavericks | Monday, 1pm @ John Cain Arena

SUNCORP SUPER NETBALL RESERVES

FIXTURES

Saturday

GIANTS v Firebirds – 12pm at Ken Rosewall Arena
Swifts v Lightning – Post the SSN match at Ken Rosewall Arena

Sunday

Thunderbirds v Fever – 8:45am at Netball SA Stadium
Swifts v Firebirds – 11am at Ken Rosewall Arena
GIANTS v Lightning – Post the SSN match Ken Rosewall Arena