RC Pythons on Grand Final Day

Match Preview:

RC Pythons vs RC Vipers

7.40pm – Ryan’s Reserve, Richmond

Tonight at 7.40pm, two giants of Richmond Social Netball are set to clash under lights at Ryan’s Reserve. Crowd figures are expected to top 8 for this round three clash that will see a rematch of last season’s Grand Final. This match is fast becoming a rivalry round, much the same as will happen this weekend when Adelaide Crows play the Port Power. Except far more important, and with far more passionate fans.

The RC Pythons are coming off the three peat of championships, and although the teams split results 2 wins each last season the Pythons are favorites at the TAB going into this one, the Vipers are playing in only their second season back in Richmond’s premier social netball comp since a self-imposed hiatus playing away from Richmond. Rumor has it they came back because they competition was better and so far the other Div 1 teams have proved them right! I was able to grab 5 minutes with Maria Crawford earlier in the week about this weeks game Crawford said “Really excited about the Vipers game this week, we’re going to need to be at our best to beat them, they’re a tough team to beat every time we play them and with a few players out its going to be a big challenge for us.”

Key Match-ups tonight include 5 foot 4 Laura Hindson in GA (who comes in, in place of the Amanda Langerak who is away on international duties in Europe) shooting against 6 foot even “Shorty’s Sister”. A match-up not to be missed, Laura will need to be quick on her feet and always play ball side on the 6 foot GD if the Pythons GA is to dominate this match-up.

RC Vipers captain has been in trouble with the umpires in both of the previous two meetings, giving away no less than three uncontested shots on goal. Discipline for the Vipers will be crucial if they want to come over the top of the reining champs tonight. The Pythons goal shooter, Amanda Parker is yet to miss an uncontested shot and will need to keep up her high percentage shooting if the Pythons are to get the chocolates tonight.

Down back, Alanna Dunne normally comes up big for the Pythons, the more crucial match up will be the RC Pythons GD Jen Ingram if she can get her arms before distance right, ensure the Vipers are always shooting from range and keep that passion she has for the game in check, it will go a long way towards winning this one.

Look forward to this one sports fans. It’s going to be a cracker.

If you’re interested in playing netball in Richmond, please email: netball@rcafc.com