IT was one way traffic – in the favour of North Gambier – early in the Western Border Netball Association A Reserve grand final, but Millicent stepped up when it mattered most to claim the title.
The Tigers were clinical in attack and relentless in defence, as the Saints struggled to find any rhythm.
That early lead blew out to as much as eight goals before a late rally from Millicent saw the quarter-time margin at six.
Ashlea Edwards was critical in her safe delivery into the shooting circle, while Emily Stafford and Sarah Edwards were creating turnovers at will.
The Saints reacted immediately to the sluggish start, with Madi Haggett entering the clash at goal defence and Nat Potter moving to the defensive wing.
Those moves did boost the defensive pressure and North started to find it much harder work to get the ball into a good shooting position.
Alisha Bryan, who was dominant in the opening quarter, made the most of her opportunities netting seven straight, while at the other end, the Saints forward line started to gel as well and Paige Nitschke starred with nine from nine.
For all its improvement, Millicent only clawed back one goal.
The comeback continued in the third, though, as Hannah Nitschke started to control the mid court, and Kelly Venn started to get busy and her pace and timing on the move started to cause headaches for the Tigers, shooting six-from-six.
But it was just as much about the defensive effort as North was not only starved of many scoring opportunities, but their accuracy was down and Shasta Bowman and Haggett made sure they paid for every mistake by turning the ball over regularly.
It meant it was a one-goal ball game at three-quarter-time with the Saints in front.
The last quarter was all about precision and accurate shooting from the Saints and error-after-error from North as the scoreline blew out.
Hannah Nitschke, who was named bets on court, continued her hard running and found great connection with sister Paige, who converted nine-from-11 as the Saints marched their way to the premiership.
Final score: Millicent 42 d North Gambier 36
