By Lachlan Onions
The Eagles will host Keith this Saturday for Round 12 of Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara netball.
With just five rounds to play, every win is vital for Penola as it looks to defend its A Grade premiership and a loss for either side could have major implications in the lead-up to finals.
After a slow start to the season, the Eagles find themselves in fifth place on the ladder, with five wins and five losses.
Keith have impressed this year and defeated Penola when these two sides faced off in Round 3.
In the grand final rematch, the Crows pulled off a comeback win to defeat the Eagles by nine goals.
Penola held a two-goal lead at the final change but Keith found another gear in the final quarter and scored 20 goals.
The Crows will be eager to bounce back after they were comfortably defeated in a four-quarter performance from Lucindale.
Keith is just two points behind the Roos in first place, while Penola is three points behind the fourth-placed Kybybolite.
The Crows boast one of the best goal-scoring records in the league, with 570 goals in 10 games.
Erika Lamont has been a mainstay in the circle this season for Keith with 239 goals, while Mary Wachtel and Danielle Vankalken have both been dangerous shooters for the Crows as well.
Maddy Teakle and Brooke Klemm will look to shut down the Keith goalies and will be confident after strong performances against Naracoorte in Round 11.
At the other end of the court, April Possingham has shot with unrivalled accuracy this season, with 306 goals from 354 attempts.
Possingham will be supported by Ash Earl at goal attack who has scored 128 goals in nine games this season.
Despite the changes made to Penola’s midcourt throughout the season due to injuries, Tara Millard, Siobhan Adams and Victoria Henderson have become a strong force in the middle and will look to dictate play.
If the Eagles are able to field a full-strength side for the second-successive match, then Penola should have just enough strength in what will be a game of fine margins.
