A tantalising encounter is on the menu for Elphin Sports Centre on Saturday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Launceston Tornadoes host Diamond Valley Eagles with both sides needing to win if they are any hope of securing a double finals chance in the remaining two rounds.
The Torns and Eagles are equal fifth on the SEABL table with a 11-7 win-loss record and need to keep the points rolling in heading into the season’s pointy end.
Launceston is yet to face Diamond Valley in 2018, but coach Derrick Washington is confident his side can get the job done in round 14.
“[It] will be a great test for our team. Diamond Valley have won their past six matches and come into this weekend as one of the inform teams of the competition,” the American said.
“They have Lauren Scherf who leads the league in rebounds and is a top five scorer and was named the SEABL’s women’s player of the week for round 13.
“They also have Abi Wehrung who averages 10 points per game and Maddison Rocci who averages nine points.”
The Eagles will be without star Ezi Magbegor and the Torns will be missing skipper Lauren Mansfield with the pair both on Opals duties in China.
Launceston is coming off a loss to undefeated Bendigo Braves and a triumph over Melbourne Tigers last weekend with plenty of positive performances pleasing Washington. Lauren Nicholson continued her productive season with 25 points and 12 rebounds against the Braves and backed it with 32 points and another 12 rebounds against Tigers.
“Ally Wilson again got us going with her penetration in the paint and assisting to other players,” Washington said.
He said improvements would be needed against Diamond Valley.
The Tornadoes finals home and away match will be against Hobart down South next week.
GAME DETAILS
- WHAT: Launceston Tornadoes v Diamond Valley Eagles.
- WHEN: Saturday, from 6.30pm.
- WHERE: Elphin Sports Centre.