A BUOYED Casterton Sandford outfit will face a huge challenge on the road against reigning premier Millicent at McLaughlin Park tomorrow to begin the opening leg of round three of the Western Border Netball season.
After finding some form through a draw with West Gambier last week, the Cats will have to be at the top of their game to achieve a similar result against the Saints without star playing coach Christine Harris.
Casterton Sandford would be frustrated to disrupt the line up, given last week was the first time the side stuck with an unchanged team in a long time, but Madalene Cleary will easily slot into the goal attack position with the likes of Hayley and Natalie Rhook a chance to step up in the mid court.
But the main objective for the Cats will be to somehow slow the Saints ball movement, which was in full flight in round two.
It was not until the third quarter East Gambier was able to disrupt Millicent’s fast and direct flow.
By then it was far too late for the Bulldogs, as the Saints scored at will to register another win.
Finding a way to stop an attack line which boasts the names of Donna Denton, Demi Verbena, Paige Nitschke and Lisa Duldig is nigh on impossible, but the tight checking of Scarlett Jarrad and Sharna Fidler, accompanied by the aerial skills of Marlee Gartlan, will certainly give it their all for Casterton Sandford.
At the other end, the Cats attack line will need to be patient in its attempt to find a way through the defence of Hannah Nitschke, Madi Haggett and Hayley Dunn.
Tori Perry will need to be the general at that end, while Gaby Tomkins must use her pace on the drive to try and find a strong feeding position.
A Millicent win appears likely, but Casterton Sandford will look to limit the scoreboard damage and build on its improved round two showing.
