Keen to keep grip on position

Matthew Galea

August 9 2014

Shepparton News

There’s more than just passion on the line between Cobram and Cobram Victory in the final women’s Cobram derby.

Both sides are tied on 18 points, with Cobram second on goal difference only and well and truly in the hunt for a second chance in finals.

With Shepparton only two points behind the Cobram duo, it’s a race in which neither side can afford to lose ground.

The Tigers came off second-best in a hugely entertaining match against Shepparton South which finished 5-4 in the Southerners’ favour.

The result saw South’s lead at the top of the table stretch to eight points which wrapped up the race for the league title in the Southerners’ favour, meaning the Tigers will be keen to ensure they don’t lose out on second place as well.

Jessica Gannaway was in great form last week and, although she could not help her team to a win, she will be hoping to make an impact again tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Kyabram Phoenix knows it needs to put in a strong performance against the Reds to stay in contention for second place.

The George Traianidis-led Phoenix has failed to inspire this season, but there is enough talent on the list to suggest — should the club make finals — it will be a force to be reckoned with.

Shepparton, on the other hand, has enjoyed a strong back end to the season, and a finals run would be no less than Uwe Paffrath and his girls deserve.

The Reds’ squad is thin and often injury-stricken, so even being in the finals race represents a fine achievement for Paffrath’s side.

Shepparton United also remains in the hunt for finals, but the reigning premier has a tough task tomorrow against league winner Shepparton South.

Life post-Traianidis has been tough for the Blues, but a win against South would keep them in the finals hunt.