by Grace Knight
With two games remaining in the HART netball season, the Ruby Bull Sharks find themselves on the precipice of finals contention.
However the runway is narrow and Bond must win against the Panthers in Toowoomba this weekend.
“We’re sitting just outside of the top four,” netball operations manager Kim Boland said.
“We still need to win these next two games and we also need to see a major upset in one of the top-four teams.”
After three consecutive losses, the Bull Sharks regained confidence last week in their clutch victory against the Sunshine Coast Thunder.
Last time they met
In their previous encounter in round 4, the Bull Sharks outperformed the Panthers 61-38 - their highest scoring match of the season.
Despite a few lapses, the Bull Sharks were formidable all game long to secure their 23-point victory.
However, as the Bull Sharks make their first trip to Toowoomba this season, coach Boland warns her troops to never underestimate the influence of a Darling Downs crowd.
“The Panthers home crowd is typically pretty large,” Boland said.
“We might be feeling quietly confident but we’re also aware that they’re going to make us work for it.”
Focus points
Boland highlighted the team’s focus on converting the gains they make during the game.
“At the moment turnover conversion is key – that’s how we win our games,” she said.
“Our defenders are certainly turning over a lot of ball for us but we need to concentrate on ensuring their efforts are followed through and reflect on the scoreboard.”
Match day information
Sunday, July 2, Downlands College, Toowoomba
Ruby:
3:00pm
The Sapphire team has a bye.