Gunners move through the gears

MTC Namibia Netball Premiership defending champions Mighty Gunners face two of the lesser sides in the competition this weekend, presenting a chance to go top of the standings for the first time this season.

Currently placed third, they take on second and third-last clubs Northern Fly Ballers and Rebels on Saturday, who have managed a combined four wins from 19 outings so far.

Victory for Gunners in both matches would see them go level on 16 points with early pace-setters Namibian Correctional Service, who have a bye this weekend.

The champions, who have lost once in seven fixtures, saw off a spirited Eleven Arrows 58-42 and Afrocat Lions 38-35 last time out, and are looking to build up a head of steam with the halfway stage of the campaign in sight.

Similarly, the Namibian Navy and Tigers who clash in the standout premiership fixture at Ogongo Unam Campus this weekend have designs on top spot.

Like Gunners and NCS, both have lost once each and are among the leading clubs in the elite division.

Navy is second, with 14 points from eight matches, with Tigers two positions and as many points below Saturday’s rivals.

Victory for the Navy would move them level with the log leaders. The unpredictable Wanderers handed the Navy its first defeat of the campaign on Saturday, edging the gripping contest 50-47 in Windhoek.

Tigers, who beat Rebels 42-25 on Saturday, could go joint top should they beat the Navy and bottom side Fatou.

The newcomers are yet to register a victory after 10 matches and have a goal difference of -274.

Meanwhile, fifth-placed Otjozondjupa Nampol are favourites to beat Young Stars in this Saturday’s action opener before taking on Eleven Arrows on Sunday.

Otjozondjupa defeated Fatou 60-34 and Northern Dly Ballers 48-28 in rounds 11 and 12, with the Young Stars going down 65-17 and 60-44 to NCS and Wanderers.

Saturday’s other fixture sees Arrows playing Wanderers, who round off the weekend’s action with a clash against Northern Fly Ballers on Sunday morning.