South Wagga Warriors, fresh from enjoying the bye last week, is the team to play back-to-back matches this Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Warriors will play the winless Saints team first up and then tackle Turvey Park, the current top team.
Despite being without a win, the Saints team has performed very well against the Warriors in their two previous meetings. Their first contest resulted in a 1-all draw, and after six innings of the next game it looked on the cards there would be a 3-all draw.
However, the Warriors scored two runs in the top of the seventh and then shut Saints out to record a 5-3 win.
These results show that the Saints defence is up to scratch, but their offence needs to improve.
Statistically, their team batting average is far below that of the other two teams. Individually only Tessa McGlynn, Paula Potts and Kadison Hofert have a batting average of 333 plus.
Whilst it won’t be easy against Warriors’ pitcher, Montana Kearnes, these three need more support in the batting department if they are to upset the reigning premiers.
Desi Calder, Gemma McGlynn and Sarah Rose all have the potential to find the gaps in the field, but inconsistency prevents them putting runs on the board.
The Warriors, by contrast, have great depth in their batting. Leading the way is former Lake Albert player, Jess Swaysland who has the top average of the competition at 692.
Supporting Jess are Jane Kearnes, Shae Skillen, Montana Kearnes, Kristy Tenison and Jayla Nix.
The Saints battery of Tessa McGlynn to Hofert, will have to be at their best to prevent the power bats of the Warriors doing damage.
But, as mentioned previously, the Saints do have a good defensive record against the Warriors, so if that can be repeated and their batting improves, a Saints win is not beyond the realms of possibility.
The Warriors then tackle Turvey Park in their second match for the day.
The teams are on a par so far, having won a game each from their two previous meetings.
It must be remembered however that Turvey had their win when the Warriors were without Montana Kearnes.
Turvey seem set to have all of their 11-strong squad available this Saturday, for the first time this season, so they will have no excuses if they do go down.
Statistically, the best batting team in the competition, Turvey will hope to strengthen that claim with a good performance with the bat