Top spot on the line as Hawkettes host Bullettes

In a top-of-the-table clash and replay of the 2023 George Tooke Shield league tag Grand Final, reigning premiers Harden visit the Cootamundra Bullettes in Round 12 at Les Boyd Oval on Saturday.

The Hawkettes will be out to keep top spot after losing their first game of the season in Round 11, going down 8-6 to the North Canberra Bears.

In a match that went down to the wire, a successful Maddison Cater penalty conversion was the difference as the Bears kept their season alive with their most significant victory in recent memory.

The Hawkettes will take on a Bullettes outfit that is breathing down their neck on the competition ladder.

Cootamundra haven’t lost since their 20-14 defeat to Harden way back in Round Three, with the Bullettes stringing together eight consecutive victories.

Last time out, the Bullettes were throwing the ball around as they belted the Bungendore Tigerettes 52-nil in their Round 11 match at Les Boyd Oval, and if they defeat Harden, their superior for-and-against means they move into the top spot.

Crookwell will also be eyeing an opportunity to strike, with the third-placed She Devils only one game off Harden when hosting the Boorowa Roverettes at Memorial Oval on Saturday.

Crookwell made hard work of a win over the UC Stars in Round 11, defeating them 16-14 and extending their winning run to three games.

It won’t be an easy outing against the Roverettes, who are in sixth position and just one competition point outside the top five.

Boorowa lost to Binalong 16-10 in Round 11, and they know that a win over Crookwell is essential if they are to have any chance of making the finals in 2024.

The fourth-placed Binalong Jersey Girls can push into the top three on Saturday, but they must defeat the Bungendore Tigerettes at Mick Sherd Oval.

Binalong has been flying under the radar, with the Jersey Girls boasting four consecutive wins.

A win over Bungendore is important ahead of a challenging run into the finals.

In the final game of the round, North Canberra can maintain a top-five spot, but they must first beat the UC Stars.

Playing at Raiders Belconnen, the Stars will be confident after nearly toppling Crookwell in Round 11, and they will be out to throw a spanner in the works when taking on the visiting Bears.

Click here for the George Tooke Shield league tag ladder, draw, and results.