Red Cliffs v Ouyen United
Quandong Park, 12pm
PREMIERS Ouyen United got an early season wake-up call before Easter when they hosted the team they vanquished in last year’s grand final, Wentworth.
The Roos, still apparently smarting from having a perfect unbeaten season snatched away in the ultimate game of the year, travelled across the river, down the highway and promptly smashed the Kangas by 39 points.
Ouyen United, with a depleted defence, had no answer for Wenty’s coach and star shooter Amanda Edwards who finished with a whopping 47 goals.
Still, Kyra Nathan’s team won’t be pushing any panic buttons as they historically don’t click into top gear until the business end of the season, a la 2024.
They should be able to improve their record to 2-1 against a Red Cliffs team, which copped a similar belting from Wentworth in the opening round before battling to a draw at Mildura the following week.
Defender Morna Naquto and Jorja Parker led the way for the Tigers in the second clash and will be keen to hit their home court for the first time this season, but the veteran class of the Kangas should prevail.
PREDICTION: Kangas by 12 goals
Robinvale Euston v South Mildura
John James Oval, 12pm
THE Eagles host the Bulldogs today in a rendezvous of teams seeking their first win of the season.
You sure don’t want to be in a 0-3 hole so early in the campaign and a win would provide a great fillip and a move from the bottom of the standings.
Robinvale Euston lost their opener by a mere two points against the Magpies at Compound Accounting Park and then fell way behind Mildura at the Brian Weightman Oval courts and couldn’t bridge the gap despite a strong second half.
Coach and livewire goal attack Georgia Giofrelle and switching mid-courters/defenders Jorja Delcastegne and Jemma Meehan put in big efforts and a return to their homecourt should provide a key edge.
Tara Bate’s Bulldogs have also fought hard for no gains thus far.
Imperials and Irymple both proved too much for South Mildura on their home MSP court and in broiling conditions.
The weather should be substantially cooler today, but the visitors can expect a hot reception, nonetheless.
PREDICTION: Eagles by seven goals
Irymple v Merbein
Henshilwood Oval, 2.30pm
IRYMPLE, under new coach Shelby Trigg, got their belated season off to a winning start against South Mildura on Good Friday and will be keen to carry on that Easter cheer at home against the Magpies.
Both sides have 1-0 records, but those wins have come against the winless Bulldogs and Eagles respectively, so there is little to be gained from the form guide on that front.
At home, you would expect the Swallows to have an edge, but they feature only two players from last year’s A Grade side.
Trigg was her usual potent self in attack against South and teenager Alice Leeder was a menace in defence consistently harrowing her opponents.
Vanessa Rodi, Sophie Gray and Teagan Pettigrew were among the Pies’ top performers in their to-and-fro battle with Robinvale Euston.
But they may also be a little under done having not played for two weeks.
PREDICTION: Irymple by six goals
