Premier B Women’s ready & rested

Josh Nevett

After a week without fixtures due to Melbourne’s latest lockdown, all the teams in Premier B should be well rested and ready to attack the second half of the season with vigour. This week provides a bumper round of matches, pitting similarly ranked sides up against each other, starting at Beaumaris.

The Sharks take on Fitzroy-ACU at home, in a critical 3^rd v 5^th encounter. Beaumaris have arguably been the attacking force of the competition so far, but their early form has been curtailed over recent rounds. Meanwhile, Fitzroy have struggled for consistency, but only just sit outside the top four. Last time out the Sharks romped to victory by 32 points, and I predict them to return to winning ways in this one.

At Ross Gregory Oval, Collegians will take on Yarra Old Grammarians in a must-win matchup for the Bushrangers. They currently sit bottom of the table and must start banking wins if finals are to remain a possibility. On the other hand, Collegians will be looking to build on a two-game winning streak that has them sitting just inside the qualifying spots. With the home ground advantage, it is expected that Collegians will continues the Bushrangers woes.

The 2:20pm fixture for Round Nine provides a huge opportunity for both Old Camberwell and Monash Blues, who look to turn their fortunes around after indifferent starts to 2021. Last time out Monash narrowly took the win by 8 points, but I can see the change of venue contributing to a victory this time around for the Wellers.

An absolute blockbuster is in store to complete Round Nine, a top of the table clash between Melbourne University and Old Geelong. The Mugars have worked into the season progressively, gaining form and momentum with each passing week, sending them to pole position. Conversely, Old Geelong have been a more consistent outfit, but their recent form has been less convincing, suggesting Melbourne could extend their ascendency this Sunday.