SOUTH Gambier has made a habit of fast starts this Western Border netball season and it was the case again against Casterton Sandford in the grand final.
In the second semi-final the Demons blew West out of the water early and their start on Saturday in the B Grade title decider was even more electrifying.
The defence line of Megan Ridding, Tanya Thomson and Jess Hayes was relentless in its pressure, working together with centre Caitlin Grubb to shut down time and space for Casterton Sandford.
With Kelsie Atwell converting a perfect 10-from-10 at the other end, the match was all but done and dusted at quarter time with South enjoying a 12-goal lead.
However, the Cats are a tenacious group and their 2016 grand final loss meant they were ready to fight.
Ash MacDonald and Lauren Cleary tightened up defensively and started to make Atwell and Talyssa Watts work a lot harder for their possessions.
At the other end, Paige Cameron started to find space and her connection with Lorree Lane and Kate Gill-Killey improved and the Cats worked their way back to a eight-goal half-time deficit.
Casterton Sandford swung the changes in the third with Cameron moving out to goal attack, Kerri Harvey heading to the defensive circle, Amber Balzan bringing some fresh legs to the defensive wing and Eva Chandler providing a tall target in goal shooter.
The moves worked with Cameron continuing to find space and MacDonald and Harvey combined well defensively to create plenty of turnover ball.
It saw the lead reduced to five and the challenge was there for the Demons.
It was a challenge they rose to as Ridding, Thomson and Hayes again started to deny time and space with relentless defensive pressure and at the other end, it was Watts standing tall in the shooting circle.
The Cats were accurate in the last and that is what kept them in the contest but the Demons earned too much ball and went on to record an eight-goal win.
Lori-Ann Copping used all her 300-plus games of experience for the Demons with her hard running, smart positioning and willingness to work hard defensively to win the ball back, earning best on court honours, while Atwell was as prolific as ever and Thomson showed her class with critical turnovers at critical times.
The Cats will rue the start with experienced players Cameron, Lane, Harvey and MacDonald all making a contribution.
Final score: South Gambier 41 d Casterton Sandford 33
