Millicent’s dominance continues

Demi Verbena Crop Dsc 469820190413  TBW Newsgroup
CLOSE CALL: Millicent's Demi Verbena looks to keep the ball in play during the Saints big win over North Gambier in round one of Western Border netball on Saturday.

Demi Verbena Crop Dsc 469820190413 TBW Newsgroup
CLOSE CALL: Millicent’s Demi Verbena looks to keep the ball in play during the Saints big win over North Gambier in round one of Western Border netball on Saturday.

MILLICENT 60 d NORTH GAMBIER 24

REIGNING premier Millicent sent an ominous warning to the Western Border netball competition with a comprehensive 60-24 victory over North Gambier in the grand final rematch on Saturday at McLaughlin Park.

Both sides have seen significant personnel changes since that 2018 decider.

The reigning champions are without defender Kimmi Varcoe in 2019 and star centre Lisa Duldig is still recovering from off season knee surgery.

The Tigers are without Caroline Davey, Ellie Gould, Kaitlin Egan, Emily Close and Jordyn Adams.

North did welcome back Mel Renko and new coach Noni McConnell, but the shooting circle is a little more problematic and will take time to sort out.

Rising star Olivia Patzel is sure to cement her spot, with Alisha Bryan taking on the shooter bib for the weekend clash.

Trying to get a new attack line to function seamlessly is a challenge, but against the tall timber of Hayley Dunn and Madi Haggett, that is even harder.

Unfortunately for the Tigers the Saints’ defensive duo was on song, creating turnovers, working hard over the shot and rebounding every missed opportunity which came their way.

The mid court battle was even, as young guns Hannah Nitschke, Lucy Denton and Paige Nitschke matched up on Renko, the hard running Amanda O’Shaughnessy and Ash Kalantarian.

Round one games always produce their fair share of errors and this game was no different, but with Donna Denton and Demi Verbena controlling the attack end for the Saints, Millicent was always in control.

The Saints enjoyed a 10-goal lead at the first break and it built to 24 by the half.

The third quarter put the result beyond doubt as the Saints stifled the North attack line and won the quarter 16-3, then finished strongly for a 36-goal victory.

North made changes to try and find an answer, with McConnell trying her hand in goals, Renko taking the goal defence bib for a quarter and Bec Edwards entering the fray, but Millicent, by round one standards, was too polished.

The Saints also made changes with Hannah Nitschke having a run through the middle, returning player Jo Grosser taking the wing attack bib and Paige Nitschke replacing Donna Denton in goals, while new recruit Sophie Ellis also earned a run at wing defence.