From the Border Mail
BRETT KOHLHAGEN takes a look at the prospects for each Ovens and Murray netball club before tomorrow night’s opening round kicks off at Lavington Oval. LAVINGTON will unveil star recruits Kate Yensch and Rhiannon Dolahenty in their Good Friday tussle against Albury in Ovens and Murray netball’s A-grade season opener at Lavington Oval.
Yensch has returned to the Panthers after four years in Melbourne, while Dolahenty, who has been playing for NSW State League division 1 team Sydney Uni, will travel from Wagga to train and play.
Co-coach Aleisha Pendergast said yesterday the pair would be huge inclusions with both expected to play in defence.
“We are really happy to have Kate and Rhiannon playing for us,” Pendergast said.
“They have played at a high standard and will bring some experience to the club.”
While the pair are expected to spend most of their time in defence, Pendergast said former Victorian Fury player Yensch could also be used in attack after spending time as a shooter earlier in her career.
Angie Demamiel will return after missing last year after having her third baby.
On the debit side, Zoe Featonby has moved from the Border due to employment.
Albury finished just one game out of the five last year and coach Jenny Jones is keen for further improvement this year.
The Tigers have recruited Erika Butler and Olivia Toth from Wodonga Raiders and are looking to promote Rhian Hohnberg to the senior level.
The absence of Caroline Grealy and Brooke Cannan will make life tough against last year’s minor premier in the opening round.
The verdict: Lavington by 13 goals.
THE Hawks finished second again last year and new senior coach Michelle Caruso will be hoping they can maintain their strength despite losing strong defenders Liz Jeffers and Amanda Coote through travel.
Centre pivot Ash Martin is away at university.
The Hawks have picked up goaler Bec Kreltszheim and Catie Conroy from Wangaratta and hope the club’s junior strength will keep them near the top of the ladder.
Raiders will also have a new A-grade coach with Sandra Forrest taking charge.
The verdict: Wangaratta Rovers by 8 goals.
COROWA-Rutherglen will again be led by Bec Didier.
She believes the return of defender Simone Hanrahan will enormously strengthen their defence, while Lauren Connell’s return to the senior level in the goal circle and new recruit Kate Aylward, a defender from Wahgunyah, will compensate the losses of Ruby Svarc and Tara Maybury.
Their first-up game against Wodonga will give them a good chance to test their prospects for the season.
A big bonus for Wodonga is the return of champion shooter Bec Cameron.
Although Lauren Kerrins and Tess Grimmond will be absent, the return also of Jacinta Stephens will help the Bulldogs remain strong finals contenders this year with Kelli Moylan at the helm.
The verdict: Wodonga by 10 goals.
WANGARATTA faces the ultimate test against reigning premier Yarrawonga.
The Magpies are optimistic with Ovens and King players Amelia Skilbeck and Claire Sutton set for midcourt roles and Steph Ackland and Bianca Ely to assist in the goal circle.
Coach Sue Witham believes they will be a much stronger outfit with Hanna Grady, Chaye Crimmins, Holly Judd and Izzy Byrne keen to push up from the lower grades.
Yarrawonga has a few of its champions taking time off to have babies, but coach Bridget Tait is expecting them to return at various stages during the season.
This will give juniors including Georgia Ryan, Jedda Nolan, Tara Ralph and Abbey Jones a chance to play at the top level.
The verdict: Yarrawonga by 17 goals.
MYRTLEFORD coach Lisa Davey is looking forward to a strong year from the Saints despite losing Marnie Doodewaard.
Jacklyn McAlpine, Bridget Flint-Chapman and Paige Zamperoni are returning to the club and Tara Maybury has crossed from Corowa and should combine well with Saige Broz in goals.
The first game against North Albury will be a good test.
The Hoppers have lost last year’s coach Breda O’Kane, Alyssa Fletcher, Leah West and Ricki Godde but welcome back defender Ashton Cary.
Coach Fiona Boyer has plenty of young talent at her disposal and this should be one of the closest tussles of the round.
The verdict: Myrtleford by 3 goals.
