It is the last weekend of the Regular Season and the biggest issue to be decided is who will take the precious last remaining Play-Off Spot.
Cardiff Met Archers look to be in the box-seat as they look to edge out Caledonia Pride for eighth place and they’re still relieved to have picked up a tight win last weekend at Wolves which could prove priceless in the final shake-up.
“With our eyes still set on a Play-Off spot and Oaklands hungry for a win, we knew it wouldn’t be an easy game last weekend,” reflected Archers’ star Sarah Wagstaff, ahead of tomorrow’s match-up with Leicester.
“We did manage to take control and went up by double digits on a couple of occasions, but credit to Oaklands who, with a change in their defence and some big shots, fought back until the end.
“Fighting for a Play-Off spot adds extra excitement going into the last game of the regular season and whilst we have the head to head against Caledonia, the game tomorrow will be a tough one for us.
“We will most probably have to look at the other result to see if we progress to the post-season and it is great it is live on Facebook tonight and it will be a great one to watch.”
She continued, “Caledonia are in form and have had some big , well deserved and long-awaited wins recently, so I do fancy their chances against Northumbria.
“Having said that, I’m not writing us off just yet! We can only control what we do and whilst we have struggled this season, we have shown that when our starters are all on form and the bench contribute well, we can compete with teams.
“When we move the ball and have more than a couple of threats offensively and also play tough defensively, we can surprise teams.
“Whilst Leicester will be a difficult game it is great to play our last Regular Season game at home with our loyal crowd and we hope to deliver an exciting and competitive game.”
While Riders will be confident they can despatch Wagstaff and her Archers’ colleagues to take second place, this is another incredible battle to be decided.
There has been an epic tussle for spots 2-5, with Westfield Health Sheffield Hatters, Manchester Mystics and Sevenoaks Suns all locked on 11-6 records immediately below Leicester.
Mystics will be overwhelming favourites to improve their position when they face the still winless Oaklands Wolves at home tomorrow night, while Hatters face Barking Abbey Crusaders on Sunday and that comes after Suns welcome WBBL Championship winners, Nottingham Wildcats.