WBNA 13 and Under A: Saints get up in nail-biter

STRONG DRIVE: South Gambier’s Tully McShane drives out of defence during the 13 and Under A grand final where the Demons went down by five goals in a tight contest.

ENDLESS young talent hit the court for the 13 and Under A grand final, which loomed as a nail-biter between Millicent and South Gambier.

With the head-to-head battle sitting at two apiece, that is exactly what it was as both team’s defensive units applied the pressure and both side’s goalers finished accurately from limited opportunities.

Megan Reid was working overtime in the Demons attack to provide an outlet and create space for Georgia Ryan at the post.

Siobhan Adams was also prominent with her strong driving and aerial skills.

For the Saints, Tara Bryant – who was named best on court – was already exerting her influence with hard running and precise delivery, while the key battle between demons defender Alyssa Duncan and Saint Lucy Denton looked large.

Millicent led by two at the first change and the same margin at half-time.

Bryant and Charlotte Turner were not only key transition players, but also picked up some important turnover ball, while for South, Ryan continued to be the focal point, Reid continued to do a mountain of work and Duncan and Ruby Richter managed some interceptions to ensure the scoreline stayed tight.

Tully McShane proved to be a key for the Demons, not only with her tight marking on the defensive wing, but with her strong drive through the mid court in transition.

Another 12 minutes went by and at three-quarter-time the margin was still two in favour of the Saints.

Millicent did have a lion’s share of the play but did not always capitalise, with the fresh legs of Daisy Tunkin and Paige Lucas helping with transition and Bryant continuing to dominate.

Accuracy from Reid and Ryan ensured the Demons were still in the hunt and the stage was set for an epic finish.

It was all about opportunity in the last quarter – Millicent generating 14 scoring shots and South seven and in the end that was the ball game.

Turner and Bryant were best for Millicent, while Duncan and Reid were the most influential of the Demons.

Final score: Millicent 32 d South Gambier 27