The women at Shepparton United find themselves embroiled in a battle with the competition’s two newest sides, Mooroopna and Nagambie, who remain undefeated through six rounds.
Shepparton United (5-1) suffered its only defeat this campaign at the Cats’ hands, who sit at 4-0, and United will face the sternest test yet this weekend in hosting the 5-0 Lakers.
United coach Chris Barclay maintains full faith ahead of a difficult assignment.
“The girls are pretty confident,” Barclay said.
“We’ve played some pretty good cricket through the season and they’re really excited and keen to test what they can do against Nagambie.
“We’re in a good space and have the batting and bowling to get the job done.”
Meanwhile, how often do you see a wicketkeeper take the gloves off, roll the arm over and take a more than tidy 3-3 off two overs?
Lia Beecroft’s sensational bowling cameo in last week’s win over Nathalia gave rise to a potential secret weapon.
It’s a feature Barclay will call upon only sometimes.
“Lia bowls when required and does the job where she needs to,” Barclay said.
“But, she only bowls when she’s feeling okay as she has shoulder issues.
“We’ll be requiring a team effort this week and all of our bowlers can get the job done.”
If Barclay’s side can make Nagambie blink first, Shepparton United’s long-term security in the upper crust should be all but assured.
With an imminent childbirth looming, Barclay will be at his partner’s side and leaves the task in his squad’s hands on Sunday.
The rewards of winning a fixture like this are clear to see, though.
“It’s one of our bigger tests after we came up just short against Mooroopna, but both us and Nagambie have probably played the lower parts of the draw,” Barclay said.
“If we can overcome them, we’ll be in good stead for the rest of the season.
“We don’t know much about the new teams in the league, but it’s terrific to see female participation expanding with us going to 12 teams.
“The thing is, though, you don’t know what to expect each weekend.”
Mooroopna will seek to exert pressure on whoever slips up at Princess Park when the Cats go in as heavy favourites at home to Nathalia on Sunday.
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