Wangaratta's Ovens and Murray netball teams return from the bye refreshed and raring to go for the final four matches of the 2025 season. For Wangaratta Rovers, it gives the A grade side the opportunity to continue its development of the bevy of young players rising through the ranks when they face second-placed Yarrawonga at the WJ Findlay Oval. The day will also be a special ladies day celebrating a fantastic day of netball, football, food and fun. Rovers netball coach Gracie Reid said the goal against Yarrawonga is to bring the same intensity and teamwork they showed against the Magpies in the derby. "We played consistent, four-quarter netball and supported each other from start to finish," Reid said. "With just four games left in the season, our focus is on applying everything we've learnt this year and putting it into action every quarter. "We'll concentrate on starting each term strong, owning the first five minutes and take each centre pass as it comes. "Yarra currently sits second on the ladder, and with Corowa, who are on top, coming up next, the next two rounds will challenge us. "But we’re ready. We'll set small, achievable goals each game, work together, and see just how far we can go as a team." The team welcomes back Bec Kreltszheim who will bring her usual energy to proceedings but Kara O'Donohue is out with an injury, and Sophia Pasquali has now reached her quota of A grade games for the season so will also be missing. "Stepping up to support the team this week are Kyia Wohlers and Milla Schubert," Reid said. "We’re grateful to have them on board and know they’ll bring strength and versatility to the court." Due to the ladies day festivities, B grade will be at 10.20am, same time as the under 17s, and A grade will start at 1pm, the perfect launch to the celebrations. Tickets include gate entry, welcome cocktail on arrival, nibbles, hot canapés and donuts, live entertainment from 4–9:30pm, and entry into an amazing raffle, with all proceeds supporting Project 365. Dress code is smart casual. Scan the QR code to secure your ticket – no sales on the day. For Wangaratta Magpies the mission remains the same, keep winning to keep their finals hopes alive while counting on fifth-placed Lavington to slip up. The Magpies have been at the window of the top five for a while, just two points behind the Panthers, but each week Lavington has done enough to secure the win and maintain the gap. This week Magpies face fourth-placed North Albury while Lavington meets third-placed Wodonga Raiders so both teams will have their hands full considering each conceded the points against the same opponents earlier in the season. "Yes, it’s a crucial game, like they all are at this stage," Magpies coach Shea Cunningham said. "We’ve taken a lot from the earlier match this year and have worked hard to adjust our structures and decision-making under pressure. "Reversing that result starts with controlling the tempo and being clinical across the whole court." The Magpies will field the same side that ran out prior to the bye and Cunningham said they will have to be at their best against North Albury to have any chance. "As for the Hoppers, they’ve got threats across the court," she said. "Their midcourt transition is sharp, and they’ve got shooters who can turn a half-chance into points. "We’ll need to be switched on defensively and disciplined in our setups. "On our side, keep an eye on Claire Wilson, she’s been electric in recent matches and is primed for a big performance. "Leah Jenvey has also been quietly building momentum, and her positive leadership will be vital." Cunningham said there was little between the sides earlier in the year before the Magpies finally succumbed by seven goals. "I thought we matched them quite well for the first three quarters last time," she said. "We just let them get the better of us in the final quarter so we are mindful of that heading into the match."
