Millicent 76 d West Gambier 46
WEST Gambier knew it would be a challenge to take on the reigning premiers in Millicent in Round 7 of Western Border netball, and it was a test that proved too much for the visiting Roos.
The key was to get off to a solid start, which the Roos did as they established an early buffer.
However, the rebounding strength of Hayley Dunn allowed Millicent to slowly work its way to a five-goal quarter-time lead.
It was a tame opening stanza with both sides cautious with their ball movement and the defensive efforts of both sides ensured no side could establish a good rhythm.
That all changed in the second as Millicent moved out of first gear and started to use its speed which often brings opposition undone.
Audine Bryant started to find plenty of space and her delivery was pinpoint, while the majority of the damage was done by Keah Lynch.
Roos defenders Nicole Butler and Amy Cram are usually able to set up well in the defensive circle and force teams into passing errors but the Saints refused to give the experienced defensive duo time to make good position.
At the other end, Dunn was not just working hard over the shot and snaring the rebounds but also created a number of turnovers in the goal third to see the five-goal quarter time advantage turn into a 13 goals at half-time.
West also increased its scoring in this quarter as Lisa McGregor and Carlee Davey started to find good connections and both were prepared to work hard and be patient.
But with Lynch and Donna Denton converting 21 from 22, the Saints made every post a winner.
Looking for a way to work back into the contest, West swung the changes at the main break – Butler moved to the defensive wing, Cram to goal keeper, Olivia McEvoy moved into goal defence and Carly Trevilyan took the centre bib.
The changes, which no doubt unsettled the Roos backline as well as they looked to settle into a new combination, were unable to stem the flow of goals from the Saints as Bryant continued to find Denton from long range with accurate passing.
Lynch continued to dominate and with both Millicent goalers finishing accurately, there were few turnover opportunities for the Roos.
At the other end, Dunn and Kimmi Varcoe created turnovers as they denied the Roos forward line any time or space.
Davey and McGregor continued their high work rate to try and find a way through the stifling defence, with Madi Turner and Lisa Duldig part of that effort to make scoring tough, but the opportunities were hard to find.
The Roos fought back in the last, switching McEvoy to the defensive wing and re-establishing their starting defensive circle combination.
McGregor started to find good space at the post and converted accurately, while the Roos were able to slow the pace of ball and created some turnover ball to stay in touch.
They lost the quarter by only four goals to keep the final damage to a 30-goal margin.
Lynch and Bryant were dominant for the Saints, with Dunn also instrumental in the comfortable victory.
For the Roos, McGregor and Davey never stopped trying to create.
