ROUND 11 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) takes place tonight as the first night of winter dawns upon the league. With plenty on the line, the mid-table logjam is sure to get a workout across multiple matches. The match in focus today is the clash between fifth placed Southern Saints and eighth placed Peninsula Waves. Despite sitting three spots below their opponents, the Waves have still won four matches for the season, with the Saints having claimed five wins and a draw.

Both these sides have some quality young players who are topped up by consistent performers. Peninsula Waves opened their account in season 2022 with a win over Casey Demons, then fell to the Saints in Round 2 after the Saints were coming off a draw with the Ariels, a result that no doubt they would be ruing in hindsight. The Waves bounced back against the Ariels the next week, with the Saints claiming a big scalp over the Lightning . Both teams fell in Round 4, with the Waves beginning a five-game losing streak.

That streak came to an end against Hawks Netball, grinding out a one-goal win over them in Round 9, then got past a plucky Ariels outfit by three goal in Round 10. The Saints suffered their first loss of the season in Round 4 against Casey Demons, though after a win against Hawks Netball in Round 5, they were sitting pretty with a 3-1-1 record. From that point on though, they dropped three consecutive games before getting up against contender North East Blaze, and Casey Demons the last fortnight. It means both sides head into the Round 11 fixture with two-game winning streaks under their belts.

Emily Andrew has been a consistent goal shooter all season for the Saints and one that the Waves will look to put up some big numbers, with the defensive pairing of Ashlee Barnett and Tegan Stephenson up the other end a reliable defensive duo. The Waves have some great talents coming through with Sussu Liai one with plenty of top-end potential, showcasing her athleticism. Across the lineup, the likes of captain Gabrielle Dwyer and Clare Vearing are others to watch in what is a crucial game for the Waves.

Across the league, the other huge game is a top four clash between City West Falcons and North East Blaze, with the Blaze needing to win to avoid dropping out of fourth. Boroondara Express and Casey Demons are both looking to grab a win to keep in touch with the contenders, while Hawks Netball have the tough job of trying to take down ladder leaders Geelong Cougars. In the last game, third placed Melbourne University Lightning will be looking for a percentage boost against the winless Ariels who were incredibly competitive in Round 10 against the Waves.

ROUND 11 FIXTURES: June 1

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