After 13 rounds of ups and downs the Picola and District Football Netball League is drawing closer to a conclusion for 2022.
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Just five rounds remain of the regular season, with the time each team has to secure a spot in the post season shrinking with each game played.
So, with finals venues announced, winning streaks ended and a competition bye over the weekend, the Courier decided now was the perfect time to have a look at what was coming up.
Strathmerton
Football — Fourth (8,3)
Netball — Second (10,1)
The run home — Tocumwal, Mathoura, Rennie, Waaia, Katandra
Summary:
It has been a positive season for Strathmerton in both the football and netball arenas, with the perennial finals contender sure to be around at the business end of the competition.
On the football field, the Bulldogs fell to Tungamah last week, however the 11-point margin proved they can match it with the best.
Currently sitting in fourth, defeats at the hand of Waaia in round one and Berrigan in round five, coupled with the Tungamah loss leave them right on the edge of the four.
Finishing in the top four is vital to receiving a double chance come finals and the side will have to be at its best if its to do this.
Games against Tocumwal, Mathoura and Rennie should be winnable, while contests against the currently undefeated Waaia and the third placed Katandra could make or break the sides top four hopes.
On the netball court, Strathmerton is in a real arm wrestle for the minor premiership.
The side is currently behind Waaia on percentage, however with the Bulldogs undefeated since round one they are definitely a force to be reckoned with.
Goal attack Amy Carter is set to celebrate her 350th game this weekend and with Kate Betson returning to the side and Emily Buzza shooting well it is hard to see this side not finishing the season strong.
Katamatite
Football — Fifth (7,4)
Netball — Fourth (8,4)
The run home — Katandra, Deni Rovers, Blighty, bye, Jerilderie
Summary:
The Tigers have been up and down so far this campaign, with the football and netball sides both pushing for the top positions on the table.
On the football field, injuries have hampered Jed Wright’s side, with Katamatite facing fellow premiership hopeful Tungamah, Mathoura and Waaia with a severely undermanned squad.
Despite this the side have battled through, securing a number of important results and building a solid platform.
The run home is set to be a tricky one for the Tigers, with Katandra sitting third and the Deni Rovers and Jerilderie both searching for a finals spot.
In the netball, Katamatite has been equally as up and down with Tess Saunders’ side currently wedged between the third placed Tungamah and the fifth-placed Picola United.
Like most teams in the A-grade netball competition it has been difficult to keep momentum up this season, with a number of byes resulting in a tricky equation.
Yet, with the side currently sitting in fourth and some winnable games on the horizon, the Tigers should contend with the ladder leaders come finals.
Tocumwal
Football — 11th (4,7)
Netball — Seventh (7,4)
The run home — Strathmerton, Waaia, Katandra, bye, Berrigan (senior football only)
Summary:
With the most difficult run home of the region’s contingent, Tocumwal will need to be at their best on both the football field and netball court as the season comes to an end.
On the grass, the Bloods have been competitive in most games this season, yet the side has often been on the wrong end of the scoreboard.
If Tocumwal is to make the top eight they will have to defeat the fourth placed Strathmerton, the undefeated Waaia and the third placed Katandra and while unlikely, it remains to soon to take the side out of finals contention.
On the netball courts it is a similar outlook, with the side under pressure from the chasing pack.
Tocumwal currently sit on 28 points, with Katunga, Katandra and Jerilderie four points behind.
Like the football, Waaia and Strathmerton are right up the top of the table and Tocumwal will need to be at their best if they are to make the post season.
Yarroweyah
Football (reserves) — 13th (1,9)
Netball (b-grade) — 10th (4,7)
The run home — Blighty, Katunga, Picola United, Tocumwal, Tungamah
Summary:
Yarroweyah’s difficulties this season have been well documented, with the side unable to field a senior football or A-grade netball side.
Despite this the Hoppers have continued to perform week in week out in the reserves competitions, with the b-grade netball side still in the finals race.
On the football field the Hoppers have picked up one win so far this year, however with games against Blighty (14th), Katunga (12th) and Picola United (11th) the side could finish strong with a couple of big results.
Meanwhile the B-grade netball team has secured four wins and with the Hoppers sitting just four points behind the eighth-ranked Tocumwal, a couple of wins could see finals action for the club.
Daniel is a passionate sports fan and proud Tasmanian.