VNL Round 2 preview: Peninsula looks to ride Waves of momentum
PENINSULA Waves will be looking to make it two from two when they come up against Southern Saints in Round 2 of the Victorian Netball League (VNL) season. The Waves showed that they will be tough to beat this season, and will lock horns with Southern Saints tonight in a huge clash from 8:45pm.
The Waves shooting combination of Olivia Wilkinson and Clare Vearing caught the eye, and were able to put up more chances than the experienced Kristina Brice up the Casey Demons shooting end. The pair will be particularly important to put a winning score on the board against the Saints, who drew with Ariels, 43 goals apiece in Round 1.
Peninsula Waves stunned the Demons – who were the 2019 runners-up – who were missing shooter Emma Ryde, but had brought Brice. Not only have the Waves impressed on the court, but off it as well, with former Queensland Firebirds head coach Roselee Jencke, and Fijian Pearls coach Megan Simpson both at the club.
In defence, Gabrielle Dwyer is one to watch, with Sussu Liai catching the eye as an exciting prospect, with the Waves having a well-balanced unit and rotational options. Last week the Saints unveiled a host of debutants Tadiwa Kahonde and Sarah Mathews in the defensive third, and they will look to try and limit the amount of ball into the Waves shooting circle. Others who cracked into the side include Rylee Nelson, whilst Tegan Stephenson is a name to remember for the future.
In other Round 2 fixtures, Melbourne University Lightning will look to make it two from two against Hawks Netball, with Casey Demons hoping to bounce back against Ariels. North East Blaze will lock horns with Boroondara Expres in the other game at Parkville, whilst Geelong Cougars and City West Falcons meet in a standalone game on March 27.
ROUND 2 FIXTURES: March 23 & March 27*
Melbourne University Lightning vs. Hawks Netball
Ariels vs. Casey Demons
Southern Saints vs. Peninsula Waves
North East Blaze vs. Boroondara Express
Geelong Cougars vs. City West Falcons*
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