THE Western Border netball reigning premiers have had a couple of tight battles in recent rounds and will look to start ironing out any wrinkles ahead of the 2017 finals.
That spells bad news for Casterton Sandford, which is also battling injury and player unavailability.
By their own admission, Millicent’s defensive pressure was a little down on where it would like it early last weekend which allowed North’s relentless pressure to force errors.
The Saints will look to rectify both those issues.
The pressure from Millicent’s back four in Hayley Dunn, Kimmi Varoce, Madi Turner – who had a break out game against North to almost single-handedly turn the game back in the reigning premiers’ favour – and Lisa Duldig, will be relentless this weekend and the Cats can expect time and space to be at a premium.
On the other hand, once creating a turnover, Millicent will look to find some good rhythm and speed on transition and the pace of Audine Bryant and Keah Lynch and the smarts and work rate of Donna Denton looms large for the Cats defenders.
Knowing just who will suit up for the Cats is somewhat of a lucky dip, but with coach Steph Drogemuller sidelined, the defensive line has relied heavily on Abbey Shannon.
The talented defender has given her all but the speed of ball this weekend will make it hard even for her to create much turnover ball.
Gaby Tomkins has been another consistent performer during the past month and her hard running will be a factor.
Madalene Cleary and Tori Perry, who have taken on a variety of roles during this disrupted period, will probably get the shooting roles this weekend, with Renae Newell unable to play another match in the top grade without jeopardising her place in the finals bound A Reserve line-up.
It will be a case of no mercy from the Saints and damage control from the Cats with Millicent easily securing the premiership points.
