North Adelaide Rockets v South Adelaide Panthers - Sat, Apr 5, 6:30pm at Hillcrest

North started 2008 in fine style, knocking off 2007 grand finalists Norwood thanks to some clutch free throws from Jenah Piwanski. The Rockets boast a great mixture of youth and experience, with Lauren Mansfield, Liz Wright and Jamie-Lee Peris all looking to have gained from last year’s CABL season. South’s slow start against Southern hurt them – the final 8 point margin being less than their quarter time deficit. The Panthers will finish the season better than they started, as they adjust to the loss of Halls medallist Vikki Kelson, and as Chloe Henderson, Lyndell Kwiatkowski and Karen Rokicinski find their feet.

 

Southern Tigers v Forestville Eagles - Sat, Apr 5, 6:30pm at Morphett Vale

Southern continued its Metro League form, getting off to a great start against the Panthers. Tracy Beatty’s presence always makes scoring difficult for all opponents, and Leah Cannon started the season with a great all-around game, partially covering for the absence of backcourt partner Tam Walker. The Eagles were spectators last week, and will be desperate to start their season with a win. All eyes will be on Canberra Capitals small forward Jacinta Govind, and the addition of Lightning guard Jess Mahony to a rotation which already includes Dee Ranford will see the Eagles backcourt as one of the strongest in the league.

 

Woodville Warriors v West Adelaide Bearcats - Sat, Apr 5, 6:30pm at DH Dome

The Warriors can no longer rely on point guard Sarah Costello, but her absence should provide opportunities for promising juniors Kahla Hardy and Ursula Richards. If Woodville are able to keep this young group together, they should see more success in future years. Nikki Martin provided one of the league’s best performances in round 2, and has quickly settled in to the Bearcat backcourt. Sam Woosnam carried over her WNBL form, going close to a triple double against Sturt, but as the league’s only player-coach, it will be interesting to see how she balances both commitments throughout the season.

 

Central Districts Lions v Sturt Sabres - Sat, Apr 5, 6:30pm at Starplex

Erin Phillips provided some excitement at Starplex last week, and until her Opals commitments kick in, she will occupy much of the focus for Centrals and their opponents. The Lions were solid in their return to CABL action, but will face an angry Sabre outfit keen to notch their first victory. Renae Camino will be at Canberra for an Opals camp, but the Phillips-Marino matchup alone should be worth the price of admission.

 

Eastern Mavericks v Norwood Flames - Sat, Apr 5, 6:30pm at Adelaide Hills

Cayla Francis may well dominate the league this year. She started the season with a player-of the week performance, and is a good shot to repeat it against one of the smallest front courts in the league. Francis had good support from Broken Hill junior Steph Balman who had 17 on debut. Norwood led for most of its game against North, but faltered at the final hurdle. Much will be expected of Lisa Ackroyd and Jacqui O’Malley defensively, and Nicole Romeo will find it harder to sneak under the radar after a breakout 2007 season.