North Gambier v South Gambier
SOUTH Gambier will face a tough task when it heads to Vansittart Park this weekend to take on North Gambier in Round 8 of Western Border netball.
The Tigers matched it will Millicent for the first half last weekend and will aim for a dominant four-quarter performance when facing the Demons.
Limiting supply to Caroline Davey is the number one priority for all North’s opposition so the likes of Tori McIntyre, Imogen Walker and Lauren Duncan will have to work hard through the middle of the court to slow the ball movement.
Alyssa Boylan seems most likely to get the job on Davey and she will ensure the Tigers shooter earns every possession, but the Demons will need to pay attention to Ellie Gould, who works the front cuts well to open up space for Davey and also is confident in her attack on the post when required.
Zoe Duncan will no doubt earn that role and her willingness to go step-for-step with opponents will be critical in shutting down Gould’s influence on the contest.
Tori McIntyre also has the tough task of denying Kaitlin Egan good feeding position.
Still learning her craft on the defensive wing, it will be all about using her reach over the ball and trying to force Egan into uncomfortable positions on the court for McIntyre.
Maddie Whaites is coming off a good outing against the Saints and she will need to be at her best to try and contain Tilah Buckingham, who will have the edge on the Tigers keeper in terms of height.
Her combination with Jordyn Adams is still developing but the duo will certainly need to work together to deny Buckingham too much ball at the post but to also pressure Georgia Hood, who is accurate from long range.
North should take the premiership points easily but the Demons will look for an improved scoreline from the disappointing Anzac Day clash.
East Gambier v West Gambier
IT was an outstanding contest last time East Gambier and West Gambier faced off and it again looms as the match of the Western Border netball round at McDonald Park this weekend.
West won the first round clash, but there is nothing between the two sides.
Much will depend on who the Roos have on court.
If Jess Bell is still sidelined it will make it an uphill battle for West as that significantly weakens its mid court.
If Bell does hit the court, her battle with Tarsh McCallum will be one of the key match ups.
Bo Creek versus Lisa McGregor is also huge battle.
McGregor has been a stand out in 2018 and she not only does damage in the shooting circle but also does a mountain of work in transition.
Creek likes to hunt the interception but knows she must temper that with the need to deny McGregor too much ball, anywhere on the court.
Amy Cram has the other big job, looking to limit the influence of Tenille Gray, while Maddy Teakle will also need to reproduce her round three effort, with Sarah Lock coming off an impressive performance against the Cats.
Last time the two met, Tahlia Earl was also influential and she will need to hold strongly and work hard off the screen, as well as finish accurately, to ensure the Roos continue to place scoreboard pressure on the Bulldogs.
There will be 14 quality players on court but it will come down to the goal attack that has the biggest game – McGregor or Gray.
Casterton Sandford v Millicent
CASTERTON Sandford has had a couple of good weeks but it is likely to come to a crashing end in Round 8 of Western Border netball this weekend when they host Millicent.
The reigning premiers did not dominate North Gambier at the weekend and yet still won by more than 20 goals.
Their speed of ball is still a telling factor and their defensive intensity can be stifling.
Demi Verbena and Donna Denton are a tough shooting combination in a circle full of movement and tough for defenders to stop.
Lisa Duldig is battling a knee complaint but continues to be a pivotal link player and works tirelessly defensively.
Madi Turner has pace to burn and Hannah Nitschke and Paige Nitschke give the mid court plenty of flexibility.
Kimmi Varcoe and Hayley Dunn have an outstanding understanding as a defensive duo and while the Cats have certainly unearthed a gem in Christine Harris, she will have to work so much harder to earn possession this weekend.
Her long range accuracy will be a bonus, though, while Madalene Cleary has been dominant in the mid court for Casterton Sandford and her battle with Turner or Duldig will intrigue.
Abbey Shannon will have the task of limiting Denton’s influence and her tenacity should see some turnover ball created but the bottom line, is, it will be hard work for the Cats.
