Geelong can further stake their claims on State Championship Women favouritism when they meet second placed Bulleen on Saturday night. Despite the absence of star shooter Kylie Morrissy, the Lady Cats recorded impressive wins over Ringwood and Waverley to extend their winning streak to six. Maddy Taylor, who spent time in the WNBL over summer, stepped up in Morrissy’s absence, averaging 19.5ppg and 7.5 rpg for the weekend. “To come away with two big wins by 30 and 18 was a massive achievement by the girls,” coach Grantley Bernard said. “Everyone made a contribution, (and) everyone played hard. Those two games were probably our best ‘team’ performances of the season." The clash with the Boomers will be the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Geelong taking the points 84-66 back in round one. “This is another big test for us,” coach Bernard said. “Bulleen has been excellent since we beat them in the opening game of the season, so we're expecting a real dog fight. But if we stick to doing the basics well and apply the same commitment and team-first ethic we had against Ringwood and Waverley, we will be OK."

Division 1 Men (1^st 7-1): vs. La Trobe University (9^th 3-6) @ The Arena Annexe, Saturday 8.00pm

Geelong continues to sweep all before it in Division One action, getting past Whittlesea 92-84 last weekend, thanks to another stellar performance from Jason Reardon (25 points, 15 rebounds). In all, five players scored in double figures in a performance which pleased coach Shayne Bow. “Whittlesea just kept coming back and back, but we held on to win,” he said. The Cats should have few problems with the struggling La Trobe University, who are on a three match losing streak. Bow is wary of the Students after fighting for an 87-80 victory back in round two. However, that was before the arrival of Reardon from the Supercats.

Youth League Women (3^rd 6-3): vs. Hawthorn (8^th 3-4) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 1.00pm

The Young Lady Cats reach the half-way mark of their season on Sunday against Hawthorn keen to take a 7-3 record into the run to the playoffs. Kat Clancy’s team romped to a 69-46 road win over Whittlesea, with five players scoring in double figures, led by Sharon Ford’s outstanding all-round performance, which featured 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. “It was hard 
work playing a full court press for the whole game with eight players,” coach Clancy, who also suited up, said. “But the girls dug deep to finish the game off, which was pleasing. The Magic are on a two game losing streak and need a win to stay in touch with the top four. However with experienced Lady Cats' duo Vicki King and Ash Hatton expected to drop back from the senior team for Sunday’s clash, the Young Lady Cats should continue their push for a finals berth in their inaugural year.

Youth League Men (9^th 1-5): vs. Melbourne (2^nd 6-1) @ Oakleigh Recreation Centre, Saturday 7.30pm & vs. Eltham (7^th 2-5) @ The Arena Annexe, Sunday 3.00pm

After a welcome week off, the Young Cats have a tough road-home double-header confronting them this weekend. Coach Dave Brown is confident of an improved showing against the Tigers and Wildcats this weekend. “We have had a chance to regroup and work on some offensive deficiencies that should see us capitalise more on opportunities that we create during the game,” the former Scottish international said. The clash with Eltham on Sunday is probably Geelong’s best chance to end their losing streak with senior team regulars Steve Wiasak and Dane Bow to join the squad. “This will be Dane’s first game in the Youth League programme and he should help steady our group of young players. Michael Rebula, fresh from making his Supercats’ debut last week, will help complement the offensive threat both Wiasak and Bow provide.