SEABL women round 15 previews
22/06/2006
Albury/Wodonga "Telstra CountryWide" Lady Bandits vs NW Tasmania "McDonalds" ThunderHaving recorded two victories already over the Lady Bandits by an average of 29pts, confidence in recording another victory will be high for the NW Tasmania Thunder. The Lady Bandits have struggled to contain Thunder import Tracy Gahan and New Zealand International Lisa Pardon in both games. An improved defensive containment of these two players by the Lady Bandits will help the Albury/Wodonga girls record the much needed victory.
Knox Ford Raiders vs Ballarat "Community Health" Lady Miners
Grand Final re-match number three will be full of passion, despite the Raiders having recorded a 2-0 advantage already this year. Knox needed double overtime last week against Launceston, and struggled without Tan, Myers and Angel. Coach Mark Holland will be hoping to have all three back this week for their crucial match with Ballarat. Lady Miners Deanna Smith was at her offensive best last weekend against Albury/Wodonga, and will have a bigger impact in the game this week than her 17pts in the round 13 clash.
Club Kilsyth Lady Cobras vs Bendigo "IGA" Lady Braves
These two teams have a rich history, and currently Kilsyth leads head to head matches 17-16, including two victories this year, 66-58 in round three and 95-83 in round ten. However both teams have had different line-ups in both games, and this week will see Australian Opal Kristi Harrower have a huge impact for her hometown Bendigo Lady Braves. Since her inclusion into the team Bendigo have recorded a 3-0 record and in striking distance of first position on the ladder. A victory this week against the second placed Lady Cobras will help their cause.
Frankston "Aspect Packaging" Lady Blues vs Knox Ford Raiders
Chelsea Laing becomes the first women to play 300 SEABL games, and would like to celebrate her achievement with a victory - Frankston will have other plans. Frankston has recorded victories over Bendigo and Kilsyth in recent weeks and will look to topple the new ladder leaders Knox this week. McMeekan-Ruscoe (19.3ppg, 3.1apg) and Ofsoski is the second best combo in the competition, and have the ability to change a game with their impressive offensive skills. However Knox holds a four game winning streak against Frankston and will be determined to record the win for Chelsea in her historic game.
Nunawading Spectres vs NW Tasmania "McDonalds" Thunder
Thunder are yet to record a win against Nunawading in their two years of SEABL competition, and Spectres coach Larissa Cavanagah will be keen to keep her undefeated status against NW Tasmania intact. Nunawading defeated NW Tasmania 93-76 in round eight, and will start the game as favourites due to their 5-1 home record this year. The departure (personal reasons) of Brianna Hutton from NW Tasmania will affect the team chemistry as she played a pivotal role for the team and her impact will be missed.