NETBALL
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IF anyone knows the sort of danger the vastly-experienced Vipers side poses, it’s Life Studio wing attack Brooke Burcher.
The 16-year-old gun was part of the Life Studio side in 2014 that featured nigh on all of this year’s Vipers unit, and ahead of Saturday’s Orange Netball Association Toyota Cup preliminary final between the two sides, Burcher is fully aware her former teammates will be hell bent on securing a grand final appearance.
“They’ll be tough,” Burcher said, the first pass for Saturday’s preliminary final at 1.30pm on the Orange PCYC’s Court A.
“It’ll be a good game, a strong game and I think us girls are pretty confident.”
In round 13, Vipers claimed the spoils in the last meeting between the two sides, earning a 51-40 victory over the second-placed Life Studio to shore up their spot in the division one top four.
But earlier in the year, Life Studio was dominant.
And that’s where Burcher and her teammates’ confidence stems from.
The 46-28 victory over Vipers back in round six is indicative of the sort of netball the young Life Studio team is capable of, and Burcher says her side’s strength is its unity.
“We’re all pretty close and I think that’s what brought us to this stage,” she added.
“We work well as a team and we’ve bonded heaps lately.
“A lot of people are saying we’ll go alright, but I think even if we don’t make the (grand) final this year we’ll be right next year. It’s a good experience for all of us; we’re still young.
“I think we’ll be right.”
Burcher said the Vipers defence has been a strong point for the black and teals throughout this year, but with both Em Brotherton (cruise) and Sheryll Selwood (Philippines) away at the moment, both circle roles will be left to Jo Locke and young gun Tabua Tui in the big clash.
With that in mind, Burcher’s attention turns to the other end of the court.
More specifically, to Em Callaway.
“She’s on her game at the moment, I reckon. She’s shooting heaps good lately,” she said, Callaway instrumental in her side’s round 13 victory over today’s opponent.
“We just weren’t clicking like we usually do in that loss,” Burcher continued.
“We’re a bit disappointed with that one. We’ll try again this week.”
The winner of Saturday’s preliminary final will take on undefeated minor premiers Robin Hood in the decider next week.