Tigers claw their way to victory in Anzac Day battle

Sharon Day, Mel Renko, Kerry Heinicke Dsc 1777  TBW Newsgroup
BEST ON COURT: North Gambier netball president Sharon Day with Shirley Underwood Medal winner Mel Renko and Underwood's daughter Kerry Heinicke. Picture: JAMES MURPHY

Sharon Day, Mel Renko, Kerry Heinicke Dsc 1777 TBW Newsgroup
BEST ON COURT: North Gambier netball president Sharon Day with Shirley Underwood Medal winner Mel Renko and Underwood’s daughter Kerry Heinicke.
Picture: JAMES MURPHY

NORTH GAMBIER 39 d SOUTH GAMBIER 32

NORTH Gambier continued its run of Anzac Day victories in round two of Western Border netball, but the Tigers did not have it all their own way.

While North had the edge early and enjoyed a five goal quarter-time lead and a seven goal half-time lead, South Gambier had a strong third quarter and brought the margin back to two goals, then started the final quarter with the opening two goals and it was game on.

In the end some errors from the young Demons and composure from the more experienced Tigers saw North settle and record a seven-goal win.

The 39-32 final scoreline shows it was a defensive stoush and while there was great defensive pressure from both sides, there were also a lot of unforced errors.

Those were mainly decision making with ball in hand and both coaches will look to work on minimising those ball handling errors going forward.

Mel Renko was at her devastating best on the defensive wing and claimed the Shirley Underwood Medal for best on court.

Her tight checking, ability to create turnovers and strong driving made life tough for the young Demons forward line and with Noni McConnell and Maddie Whaites also applying the screws, South found it tough to score.

It was a similar story at the other end, with Brandi Bouchier and Alyce Pearce-Raisin again combining to be their team’s best.

The duo worked the front space, got their hands on a number of balls and worked hard over the shot.

Alyssa Boylan also enjoyed another strong outing as she ran hard both ways to have an impact at both ends of the court.