Despite being without six players for the under-20 national championships, the Launceston Tornadoes left their Victorian double-header feeling confident.
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After mounting a respectable comeback, the Torns fell short against the Frankston Blues last Saturday.
They backed that up with a dominant win over the Sandringham Sabres 100-67 the next day.
"Frankston was always going to be a challenge for us with [Tessa] Lavey and [Darcee] Garbin - two Opals - in that group," Tornadoes coach Sarah Veale said.
"Even though we lost, we learned a lot out of that.
"Again, against Sandringham, another challenge with Opals [Rachel] Jarry and [Jenna] O'Hea, because we made some adjustments the results speak for themselves.
"We're really happy with the team's performance."
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The squad faces the Eltham Wildcats at the Elphin Sports Centre on Saturday.
Veale said most of the six under-20 representatives will not play against Eltham aside from centre Lauren Wise.
"We're not going to risk those injuries," Veale said.
But Veale was confident her side could handle a young yet undefeated Wildcats side.
"Eltham are an interesting group, they are young but talented. They've got Anneli Maley in there and she's a rebounding machine," she said.
"Maley averages 24 rebounds a game and that's something we need to have a plan for.
"It certainly won't be easy - we believe we'll be able to get them but it's going to be a challenge."
The game starts at 6.30pm.
Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?
The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.
Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.
Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.
Harry Murtough
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
Born and raised in Launceston. BA of journalism from Monash University. Sports reporter covering basketball, netball and cricket.
