SOUTH Gambier continued its undefeated status in the Western Border netball 17 and Under grand final with a convincing victory over North Gambier at Casterton’s Island Park.
The start was critical for the Tigers and unfortunately for them, it was one way traffic.
Georgia Hood started on the attacking wing and combined well with Isabel Redemski to drive hard to the circle and deliver the ball with precision to Tilah Buckingham and her 11-from-12 set up what became a nine-goal quarter-time lead.
Defensively the Demons were also on song as Zoe Duncan, Jordyn Adams and Tori McIntyre made life tough for the North forward line.
North coach Kaitlin Smith reacted immediately, moving Sarah Flett to goal keeper to try and curb Buckingham’s influence.
She also put Lara Willoughby into the centre and moved Hannah Nulty to the attacking wing.
The moves definitely saw an improved defensive effort and the scoring was certainly slowed.
At the other end, the Tigers were more patient and Renee Henke started to find some good ball and netted seven for the quarter as the Tigers reduced the deficit to eight.
But for all the good work started in the second quarter, the Tigers again had no answer to Buckingham, who had another 11-from-12 quarter, making sure the turnovers created by Adams, who was at her inspirational best, counted on the scoreboard.
Were it not for the work rate and accuracy of Olivia Patzel, who netted eight-from-10 for the quarter as Felicity Clayton locked down on Henke, the damage would have been worse but it was still a surely insurmountable 11 at the final change.
North did get the better of the final quarter as Sarah Edwards continued to create turnovers.
Willoughby and Nulty kept presenting as link players and both Henke and Patzel had the most freedom they had enjoyed all game.
In the end, the margin was eight and the first quarter proved the difference.
Final score: South Gambier 41 d North Gambier 33
