What’s in store
Bond’s Sapphire team plays for pride against South Brisbane Wildcats in their final home and away game on the State Netball Centre’s Show Court on Sunday.
But if the Ruby team racks up a massive win against the Wildcats, and the Titans sink to a huge upset defeat in their game against Sunshine Coast Thunder, Bond could be catapulted into a top four berth. It’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened.
When last they met
Despite missing key personnel Bond stormed to their first victory of the season with an exciting 13-goal win back in round 6.
The Bull Sharks’ Ruby side registered a 22-goal win after an equally impressive four-quarter display.
Last week
The Ruby team logged a 5-goal win over Darling Downs Panthers. Abby Boland was Bond’s best with 41 goals, 2 assists, 9 centre pass receives and an offensive rebound.
The Sapphire squad enjoyed a bye. They’ll hit their final game of the year fresh and raring to go.
What to expect
Despite their lowly ladder position, the Wildcats at Sapphire level – a bit like Bond - have shown plenty of fight against better credentialed teams this year. A good Wildcats win would see them avoid last spot. If Bond wins, the Bull Sharks will avoid the cellar. And with players keen to make the most of their last chance to impress before thoughts turn to next season, both sides have plenty to play for.
“We had a convincing win over Wildcats in the first round, and we are looking to really consolidate everything we have learned over the season in our final match,” Sapphire Head Coach Bec Stower says.
The Ruby team simply has to go all out to stay in the finals hunt.
“We are preparing for this round with the hopes to stay in the fight for top four so we’re looking at leaving nothing behind and giving it our all against the Wildcats,” coach Kim Boland says.
Expect pedal-to-the-metal, unshackled netball. It promises to be pretty exciting, particularly if Sunshine Coast Thunder are getting the job done against the Gold Coast Titans on Court 1 at the same venue and time.
“We had a strong win against the Wildcats in the last round but as we saw against the Panthers last week, we can’t go into this looking at the ladder position of our opposition. The Wildcats have really talented players in their team and we are not taking them lightly.”
Where and when
Sunday, July 9.
State Netball Centre
Ruby centre pass 4pm. Sapphire centre pass to follow at 6pm.
Both games will be played on the Show Court.
Entry is free.