IT is week two in the Victorian Netball League, and while Round 1 told some of the story of how this season may unfold, Round 2 is where the full picture may start to emerge.
There were a few unexpected results last time out, so will they continue this week?
Fans will get their first glimpse at the North East Blaze for the year, who had the bye last week. They face the Southern Saints, who after a pretty convincing first up win last week, will be looking for a repeat feat.
After the frustrations of Round 1, the one team Peninsula Waves arguably did not want to come up against this week was Boroondara Express. The Express will be on a high after avenging some Grand Final heartbreak last week, and keen to keep that positive momentum going.
On the flipside, the Waves had the second biggest loss of anyone last week, and will be wanting to bounce back as quickly as possible.
Melbourne University Lightning were the biggest losers in Round 1, and will not want history to repeat itself when they play the up and about Casey Demons. Casey produced a confidence-boosting win over Geelong, but faces a steep task against another of last year’s finalists.
Speaking of last year’s finalists, City West Falcons had a rare Round 1 loss, and will be keen to bounce back this week against the Hawks.
The last game of the round takes place on Sunday in Torquay, when the Cougars host the Warriors. This result will more likely be telling for the Warriors than it will the Cougars, even though the Cougars did not pick up a win in Round 1. The Warriors are the competition’s fresh faces, and will be out to prove that they are a contender this season.
This week it is the Bendigo Strikers who get the bye, and it will be a good chance for them to rest up and regroup after a rude awakening of an introduction to the competition last week.
VNL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2 FIXTURE
Saturday March 16
Southern Saints vs North East Blaze
Peninsula Waves vs Boroondara Express
City West Falcons vs Hawks Netball
Casey Demons vs Melbourne University Lightning
Sunday March 17
Geelong Cougars vs Western Warriors
Bye: Bendigo Strikers
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