By James Woite

Central District Lions (0-1) v Eastern Mavericks (0-1)

Saturday March 21; 5.45pm; Starplex

After challenging reigning champions for three quarters last week, the Eastern Mavericks will be trying to push on for that extra 10 minutes and beat the Central District Lions.

The Mavericks were twice belted by the Rockets in 2014, yet were within six points of a major upset with one period remaining. Unfortunately for them, they were on the wrong end of an 11-21 fourth quarter scoreline, ultimately falling 62-78.

In her debut as a Maverick, Demetria Frank had 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, while Emma Hooley (14 points, 10 rebounds) continued on from her strong form of yesteryear.

Despite visiting a Sturt side that was missing several key players from last season, the Lions went down 35-106 in their opening game of 2015. The Lions went with just a six player rotation.

Aimee Herriman had 13 points, while Danita Goodwin scored 10 in her first Premier League game.

Based on Round 1, the Mavericks should have little trouble jumping up to .500.

 

North Adelaide Rockets (1-0) v Woodville Warriors (1-1)

Saturday March 21; 6.30pm; Hillcrest

In the Match of the Round, the Woodville Warriors will be hoping for a repeat of their stunning win at Hillcrest last season, when they visit the North Adelaide Rockets in Round 2.

Despite losing their first match against the Rockets at home, the Warriors went on the road and pulled off a 78-69 victory.

Although the Warriors were unable to carry on from their Hillcrest success and make the playoffs last year, they have so far shown they could be capable of making it to the next level this season. Behind 34 points from Katherine Perkas, they blew out 2014 Semi Finalists South 99-61 last Saturday, winning the fourth quarter 36-8. Down 10 with a quarter to play the next day against West Adelaide, the Warriors only managed 11 fourth quarter points and fell 58-71. Ursula Richards top-scored with 11 points, as Perkas, a historical Bearcat-killer, was held to just 8 points.

The Rockets were able to begin their premiership defence with a win, digging deep to overcome a gallant Eastern Mavericks team 78-62. The leaders of their 2014 title charge, Jo Hill and Jamie-Lee Peris, were back on top of the score sheet with 19 and 14 points respectively, while Genna Anderson backed up her Grand Final heroics with 13 points.

If the Rockets can keep Perkas quiet, they should be good money to avenge last season’s defeat to the Warriors.

 

South Adelaide Panthers (0-2) v Forestville Eagles (0-1)

Saturday March 21; 6.30pm; Marion

With no wins each from a combined three matches, this week’s clash between the South Adelaide Panthers and Forestville Eagles could be crucial to the finals hopes of both teams.

The Panthers were blown out twice, losing 61-99 to Woodville and 53-80 to Norwood. The Panthers got 17 points from Madeline Cunningham, 14 from Teresa Kinross and a further 13 from Ieva Nagy in the loss to Woodville. Against Norwood, it was Jessica Mahony (17 points) and Mollie McKendrick (11 points) who did the bulk of the scoring.

The Eagles went down 53-59 to a Southern Tigers team that has struggled for success the past two seasons. They led by 8 in a low-scoring game going into the fourth quarter, but were outscored 7-21 in the final 10 minutes. Megan Kermond (12 points), Morgan Yaeger (10 points) and Samantha Defrancesco (10 points) were the high point scorers for the Eagles.

Whichever team that can improve the most from their Round 1 setbacks will be in the box seat for triumph number one.