Hills Solicitors lead the way once more, two PCYC Fitness teams are inside the top four while A-grade
newcomers Queens Arms and Coalfield Comets have struggled in the opening seven rounds.
At the halfway point of season 2012 the Mercury checks in to see how the Maitland Netball Association A-grade competition is shaping up.
HILLS SOLICITORS (25, first)
Hill Solicitors have dropped just the one match so far this season and it was by the narrowest of margins to
second-placed The George Tavern.
They look on song to claim their second straight minor premiership and will be hungry to go one better in this year’s decider.
THE GEORGE TAVERN (22, second)
The George Tavern have been strong once again this season as they shoot for their fifth grand final
appearance in eight seasons.
They are sitting in second spot after knocking off favourites Hills Solicitors without the services of
skipper Lorraine Keith (Achilles heel).
HVE TRANSPORT (20, third)
The defending champions have been patchy at times without their full strength squad available each week.
But still remain a premiership threat when everyone is on board and have mid-court maestro Michelle Curran back in action.
HANO’S HVE (19, fourth)
In fourth spot and it is a good
position to be at the halfway point of the season for the newly formed Hano’s HVE.
They will give the competition a shake with a dangerous mix of young, skillful players such as former Australian under-19 representative Kellyann Grayson.
LANTRY PLUMBING (17, fifth)
The Rugby Blacks team turned heads at the start of the season when they shot to second position but in recent weeks have slipped back to fifth.
They are a good chance of making the semi-finals with a new look and competitive squad in 2012.
FAMILY HOTEL (16, sixth)
It has been up and down for the Family Hotel so far this season with wins compounded by losses shortly after. They are narrowly outside the semi-final positions and a few upsets against the top teams could see them in the mix.
QUEENS ARMS (13, seventh)
Reluctantly made the step up to the top grade after a similar squad with a different name had a successful season in AR-grade last year.
A 46-33 win against Hano’s HVE in round four was the highlight and they will look to improve upon that in the second half of the season.
COALFIELD COMETS (7, eighth)
It has been a steep learning curve for the young Coalfield Comets squad in the Maitland A-grade competition this season.
Without a win next to their name but they will be hoping to use the
experienced gained so far to hold them in good stead during the second half of the year.
ROUND 8: Hills Solicitors v Queens Arms (1pm), Lantry Plumbing v The George Tavern (1pm), HVE Transport v Coalfield Comets (2.30pm), Hano’s HVE v Family Hotel (2.30pm)