Can Pioneer Blue stop the Harcourts juggernaut when matches in Netball Wairarapa's premier one competition continue at the Colombo Rd courts in Masterton tomorrow?
The answer is probably no.
Even though they are fielding a combination somewhat different to that which won the title last year, Harcourts' dominance hascontinued to be pronounced. They basically intimidate through the confidence in which they play, and their all-round strength means each department is well covered.
For Pioneer Blue to have any chance of an upset win, a strong start will be vital because Harcourts are not a team who will be run down if they grab a comfortable early lead. And Pioneer Blue will almost certainly have to show even greater resolve than they did in scoring a good win over Eketahuna last weekend.
It's a big ask but they have shown the ability to rise to the occasion in the past and the end result might be closer than most pundits would tip.
Eketahuna were probably disappointed with their effort against Pioneer Blue and probably won't find things any easier when they confront Celtic tomorrow. Celtic haven't always hit top form at club level this season but recent efforts suggest they will be right in the hunt for a finals berth further down the track. They should have the edge on Eketahuna, although it's a safe bet to say Eketahuna will be sharper than they were seven days previously.
St Matthew's Collegiate are on the improve and favoured to beat Baywide Gladstone in what should be a close-fought match and we'll plump for Wairarapa College over Carterton New World Vipers in another game which should go to the wire.
