By James Woite

 

Norwood Flames (8-0) v Woodville Warriors (5-2)

In the Match of the Round, the Woodville Warriors will attempt to continue their outstanding run of form against the top five of 2014, when they visit the unbeaten Norwood Flames.

The Warriors are 3-1 against teams that featured in the most recent postseason, and their four game winning streak has included victories over North and Sturt in their last two matches. The Warriors got off to a strong start against the Sabres, with Callan Taylor (23 points, 10 rebounds) and Katherine Perkas (14 points, 5 rebounds) helping them extend the margin to 16 points by the final whistle.

The Flames got 16 points from Jessica Good and a further 14 each from Kelsey Ireland, Elizabeth Keane and Taylor Ortlepp, in Wednesday night’s 72-52 success at Adelaide Arena against the Tigers. The Flames are now 8-0.

The Flames were victorious in both meetings with the Warriors in 2014.

 

Sturt Sabres (4-2) v Eastern Mavericks (4-3)

The Sturt Sabres will attempt to return to winning form when they host the Eastern Mavericks.

The Sabres won their first four matches, but have lost two in a row, including a 47-63 defeat at Woodville on ANZAC Day. Kate Gladstone was the only Sabre to get the scoreboard ticking, finishing with 14 points to her credit.

The Mavericks were able to bounce back from their loss to the Panthers last Saturday, with an 84-52 win at Adelaide Arena on Wednesday against the Lions. Bianca Thacker had 17 points and Georgia Green 16.

The Sabres swept the Mavericks 2-0 in 2014.

 

West Adelaide Bearcats (2-5) v South Adelaide Panthers (3-5)

Two seems with similar stories thus far go head-to-head on Saturday, as the West Adelaide Bearcats and South Adelaide Panthers continue to attempt to work their way up the ladder.

The Bearcats began the season 1-5, but their fifth loss was by just one point to the Rockets. They followed up this effort with an 81-74 win at Southern, to edge closer to the top five. Kate Shierlaw had 19 points and Alice Gee 14 in the victory over the Tigers.

The Panthers started 2015 0-5, but have recovered with three wins in as many games, getting themselves into the mix for a finals spot. Madeline Cunningham scored 28 points and Spirit Medallist Mollie McKendrick had 16 in their most recent win, against the Mavericks.

The Panthers had two close victories against the Bearcats in 2014.

 

Central District Lions (0-6) v Southern Tigers (2-5)

The Southern Tigers could start to fall out of the race for a top five place, if they fail to defeat the winless Central District Lions.

The Tigers have slipped to 2-5, having lost three in a row. Their most recent result was a 20 point defeat at Adelaide Arena on Wednesday against Norwood. Jess Fergus, Denelle Fawcett and Kelsey Rutland each scored 11 points.

The Lions completed their loss to the Mavericks shortly after the Tigers’ defeat. Amy Lewis scored 15 points.

The Tigers went 2-0 against the Lions last season.

 

Forestville Eagles (2-5) v North Adelaide Rockets (5-2)

The North Adelaide Rockets will attempt to avoid a third consecutive defeat, when they face the Forestville Eagles.

Since barely beating West, the reigning premiers have lost consecutive matches to Woodville and, most recently, Norwood. Genna Anderson had 17 points in their 56-66 setback against the Flames. Another loss could see them fall out of the top two.

A strong finish resulted in the Eagles defeating the Lions 80-65 on ANZAC Day, ending a four game losing streak. Samantha Defrancesco had 29 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals.

The Rockets and Eagles shared a victory each in their 2014 series.