It is shaping up to be another important round of Picola and District League A-grade netball, with just three rounds of games to go before finals.
A number of intriguing contests are set to unfold in round 16 action, with a second-against-third clash and an important top eight showdown headlining the weekend’s games.
The game of the round sees Waaia welcome Tungamah.
Second-placed Waaia is locked in a tense battle with Strathmerton for top spot, while Tungamah sits eight points behind in third.
Waaia coach Rosie Arnel said the Bombers were expecting a real battle on Saturday.
“We’re ready to give it everything we have as we will have a full lineup this week,” Arnel said.
“It’s a bit exciting because it’s a taste of finals and I suppose with this kind of pressure it’s important to get these wins as it will secure the top few spots on the ladder.
“I think our defensive lineup is looking really strong with our attack ready to convert those one percenters that we’ve been working on, so we’re really stoked and hopeful this week.”
Abbey Bell will be back in the Bombers’ squad this week, while Chelsea Thorne’s return is also imminent.
On the other side of the coin, Saturday’s game is a must-win for the Bears, with a final-round bye meaning they only have two games remaining.
The game between Waaia and Tungamah will begin on Saturday at 1.30pm.
In one of the weekend’s other headline games, Tocumwal will face off against fellow top eight rival Katandra.
The Bloods sit in 10th spot on the table, and with two byes in the last two rounds, it is do-or-die for the red-and-whites.
Similarly, Katandra is in a precarious position on the ladder, with the side right in the mix for finals action.
The Kats will face both Strathmerton and Tungamah in the last two rounds, making Saturday’s game all the more important.
Proceedings will get under way in Tocumwal at 1.30pm.
In other round 16 games, Blighty will welcome Katamatitie, the league-leading Strathmerton will travel to Rennie and Jerilderie will be hoping to lock in a spot in the finals when it hosts the Deni Rovers at Monash Park.
Katunga, Picola United and Mathoura all have a week off.