Championship Women (12-2): vs. Diamond Valley (8-6) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 3.00pm

After surviving a scare against Bulleen last week, the Lady Cats return home on Sunday for another clash 
with a team jostling with the Boomers and Waverley for second spot on the State Championship Women’s
ladder. Coach Grantley Bernard was glad to escape with the 63-62 win against Bulleen, after leading by 
as much as 15 in the second half. ''We got out of a jail in this one at the end,” he said. “Having said that, 
we probably were deserving of the win. While we weren't sharp, having 28 turnovers, our effort was 
always there and that's important.'' Maddy Taylor (20 points) stepped up in the absence of Kylie Morrissy 
and will again provide Geelong with a scoring threat against the Eagles. “Every game is a test and Diamond Valley 
will be no different,” Bernard said. “We haven't played them since week three so there won't be great 
familiarity, but they are third on the ladder and winning games. So our emphasis has to be on sound 
offensive execution, efficient scoring and good defence.'' Limiting the effectiveness of former Hume City 
star Kellie Burbridge (16.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg) will be imperative if the Lady Cats are to take another step 
towards
the 14 wins Bernard has targeted to guarantee a first playoff berth since 2000. 

Division 1 Men (11-3): vs. Warrnambool (8-6) @ Warrnambool Basketball Stadium, Saturday 8.00pm

After splitting their challenging double-header last weekend with an 80-70 loss at home to Werribee and a 69-52 win at Altona, the Cats make the trek to Warrnambool for a clash with an improving Seahawks squad. Coach Shayne Bow was far from impressed with the loss to the Devils, but pleased with the way his roster bounced back against the Gators. “We were a totally different team with a totally different attitude (on Sunday) and it showed on the court and on the bench,” Bow said. “(I) hope that all players keep the same attitude for the next few weeks, not worrying about court time or points.” Warrnambool has won three of its last five to sit within striking distance of second spot. Jason Reardon and Paul Hutchison will again be expected to carry the scoring load. However if the likes of Marty De Lange, Patty Phillips and former Seahawk JJ Paton make a contribution, the Cats should return from the Shipwreck Coast with an important win.

Youth League Women (7-7): vs. Diamond Valley (13-1) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 1.00pm

The playoffs have come early for Kat Clancy’s rookie squad in their inaugural season. The Young Lady Cats are playing virtual elimination finals for the rest of the season, and need to return to the winners list against the Eagles on Sunday to keep alive any chance of featuring in August. Sunday’s 62-47 loss Hawthorn produced a disappointing 12 point first half, while allowing the Magic 37. However coach Clancyis confident her side can take an improved 35 point second half into the clash with Diamond Valley. “We’ll be looking forward to capturing that momentum going into this week’s game,” Clancy said. Four quarters of tight defensive pressure is just around the corner.” When the Young Lady Cats met the Eagles back in round 6 they took it right up to the ladder leaders, before falling 76-61. The addition of former Vic Country junior Ellie Stevens to the roster will provide some much needed support to Jess Watson and Jess Barnard, who have lacked support in the paint following injury to talented youngster Tayla Robertson.

Youth League Men (6-7): vs. Bulleen (3-10) @ The Arena Annexe, Saturday 7.00pm

The Young Cats’ impressive form reversal has them back in contention for a playoff berth that seemed like a pipedream just a month ago. After taking care of Eltham 97-72 on the road on Saturday night, Geelong, minus Steve Wiasak, stunned the highly rated Waverley 74-69 at The Annexe. As expected college-bound Falcon Dexter Kernich-Drew (30 points) starred the visitors. However he had little support, with no other player in double figures. “They did not reckon on one of the best tactical defensive set ups they have probably seen this season,” proud coach Dave Brown said. “We delivered it to a tee and shut them down.” Offensively Supercats’ rookie Lachie Headlam filled the void in Wiasak’s absence with 19 points. Andrew Przybylkiewicz finished with 14 points and Michael Rebula had 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Of concern to coach Brown was the less than adequate 20-of-40 from the free throw line, which could have almost been season-ending for Geelong. He will also be hoping there’s no letdown against the lowly Boomers on Saturday night. The two sides are yet to meet in 2010.