Your game-by-game preview to the Central Highlands Netball League's round nine return

Buninyong versus Rokewood-Corindhap leads the round.

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The Bombers are one of the premiership favourites, while the Hoppers are fifth and have won four in a row heading into the game.

Their only loss came to Learmonth in round one, so Buninyong present a great opportunity for Rokewood to beat a contender and announce itself as a genuine premiership threat.

At Dunnstown, the Towners are looking to bounce back from a 68-21 loss to Buninyong before play was paused.

They've experienced a roller coaster start to their season, unable to win two games in a row on their way to a 3-3 record.

Beaufort have been the big improvers in 2021, so a win would do wonders for Dunnstown's confidence in it's ability to challenge the best sides.

Skipton hosting Learmonth is an interesting clash for multiple reasons.

The Lakies haven't played in six weeks, having two byes before lockdown was announced.

For Skipton, it needs some wins on the board after going 1-3 since round two.

Learmonth present a great chance to do that as it hasn't played a game in nearly two months.

The Lakies are undefeated, however, and present a tough challenge every week. A scalp like them for Skipton will do wonders for their finals hopes.

at Springbank, 2:30pm

Last time: Springbank 54 def Ballan 31, round nine 2019

A quick word: The win-less Ballan taking on the 4-2 Tigers.

Seemingly a one sided affair, but who knows, after three weeks off, an upset could be brewing.

Prediction: Springbank

at Dunnstown, 2:30pm

Last time: Dunnstown 58 def Beaufort 32, round nine 2019

A quick word: An important clash for both sides.

Beaufort simply need a win to keep its spot in the top four and potentially go a game ahead of Rokewood-Corindhap if the Hoppers fall to Buninyong.

Dunnstown need a big scalp to help steady its up and down start to the year.

Prediction: Beaufort

at Bungaree, 2:30pm

Last time: Bungaree 52 def Clunes 26, round nine 2019

A quick word: A clash with Clunes presents Bungaree its best chance at its first win of the season.

The Demons sit 0-6 on the bottom of the ladder after playing five of the top eight sides through the first six rounds. It's been a tough run, but one that could be ended on the weekend with a win.

A victory is important for Clunes, currently 2-2 and needing to hold its spot inside the top eight.

Prediction: Bungaree

at Newlyn, 2:30pm

Last time: Newlyn 72 def Creswick 39, round nine 2019

A quick word: A danger game for Creswick who are on the verge of climbing into the top eight.

Newlyn may be win-less but its form is a lot stronger than its record suggests.

The Wickers currently sit a game outside the eight. A loss makes the task all the more harder, a win puts the pressure on those sides above them.

Prediction: Newlyn

at Gordon, 2:30pm

Last time: Hepburn 66 def Gordon 43, round nine 2019

A quick word: One of the more interesting games of the round.

Gordon has been solid to start 2021, but have been unable to beat one of the contenders. Who better than Hepburn?

The Burra have been the best team in the competition to start the year, so they'll take some beating.

Prediction: Hepburn

at Skipton, 2:30pm

Last time: Learmonth 70 def Skipton 27

A quick word: Learmonth is undefeated but has not played in six weeks, presenting Skipton the perfect opportunity to beat a contender.

If it can, a spot in the top eight could be earned by round's end, a loss just creates further separation from the top group.

Prediction: Learmonth

at Buninyong, 2:30pm

Last time: Buninyong 55 def Rokewood-Corindhap 42, 2019 Semi-Final

A quick word: The game of the round.

Buninyong, alongside Hepburn, has been the early favourite for the premiership, leaving Rokewood-Corindhap to fly quietly under the radar.

A win for the Hoppers pushes them closer to the top four and announces them as a genuine threat to the premiership.

Prediction: Buninyong

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