Stars to sit out blockbuster

Colac Tigers officials expect both sides to be missing key netballers ahead of this weekend’s blockbuster between them and Newtown and Chilwell. The Tigers and Eagles remain A Grade netball’s only undefeated sides in 2021, after both securing impressive wins on the weekend. Colac survived a scare from Geelong West to notch up its fifth triumph of the season, while Newtown and Chilwell proved too strong for South Barwon. The Eagles are on a remarkable run in Geelong netball, claiming the past seven flags and winning a staggering 140 games in a row. Colac is looming as one of the competition powerhouse’s biggest threats in 2021. Buy the Colac Herald print edition, which has full coverage of all the region’s news and sport. Where To Buy But their first match-up this year is set to be without a host of stars due to state league commitments. Tigers co-coach Steve Lawrence said Brooke Allan, Zara Walters and Eliza Cahill would all miss due to the Geelong Cougars’ clash with North East Blaze. He said the Victorian Netball League’s weekend fixture was also likely to ground Eagles. “We’ll have half the team the missing,” Lawrence said. “But Georgie Finn is coming in and we’ll promote some players from B Grade, like Chloe Lang and Monika Hammond. “It gives someone else a chance to step up and I think they’ll have a few players missing as well.” Lawrence said he was delighted his side could overcome a late run by Geelong West on the weekend. The Tigers roared out of the blocks and led by 14 goals at the main break, a margin which was cut back to two by the last change. Colac ran out eventual 49-40 winners and Lawrence said a host of the Tigers’ best were on top of their game. He praised Walters and Allan for their efforts in defence, while midcourter Em Murfitt and goalers Michelle and Bec Winch were hard to shut down. “We lost a bit of momentum and things were going their way, which allowed them to catch up a little bit,” Lawrence said. “The girls regrouped at three-quarter time and it was really good for them to withstand that pressure and it was a good win in the end. “Geelong West are a pretty good team; I think they’ll definitely finish in finals by the end.” In other matches on Saturday, Leopold downed Grovedale, St Albans defeated Bell Park, and rivals St Mary’s and St Joseph’s tied in a thriller. Lara had the bye.