PORTLAND’S Open netballers will have one of their biggest challenges to date tomorrow when they travel to Cobden to take on the reigning grand finalists in round six of the Hampden Netball League.

Despite not getting a win on the board yet, Portland has had a solid start to the season under the circumstances, going down by less than 10 goals in three of their four matches.

While Cobden have put in some impressive performances so far this season, they have shown they can be matched with their round two resulting in a 49-all draw against Hamilton.

It will be a tough ask from the Tigers team though who have been riddled with injuries and absences with their late recruit Alyssa Lyons out with an ACL rupture while captain and consistent midcourter Remy Grant is now away for the middle of the season.

Despite some key absences, young competitor Heidi Jones has proven she can take on the attacking load for the side alongside Lexie Petch while Maddie Stone and Katie Zeunert have been key contributors in Portland’s defensive end.

Jones will have a big job in tomorrow’s match with league best and fairest defender Remeny McCann suiting up for Cobden as one of the powerhouse defenders in the competition.