WEST GAMBIER 44 d NORTH GAMBIER 34
WEST Gambier has achieved something it has not managed for several seasons – it defeated North Gambier in round four of Western Border netball at Malseed Park on Saturday.
The 10-goal victory signalled the Roos resurgence in 2019 could well be the real deal.
The Tigers had the better of the start, leading by six goals at the first break, as they played a physical brand of netball which did not allow the Roos the chance to find any rhythm.
In the first three rounds it could be argued some of West’s success could be attributed to an improved defensive effort.
New recruit Emily Hunter has added some real toughness to that defensive effort in centre, while the return of Carly Trevilyan has also added an extra physical presence to the defensive third, while Amy Cram and Maddy Teakle are now a well-drilled defensive duo.
That defensive effort though, with the exception of best on court Hunter, did not create the turnovers it has previously and despite holding the Tigers to only 34 goals, including only three in the second quarter and seven in the third, it did not feel as clinical as previous rounds.
Maddie Whaites attempted to anchor the defensive line for the Tigers, although Hunter and Carlee Ransom worked hard to continually find the circle’s edge and were the best of the Roos at the weekend.
Mel Renko looked to lead her team with her first run in centre for the season and her battle with Hunter was one of the best on the day.
Ash Kalantarian took the goal attack bib as North Gambier continues to tinker with its A Grade line-up to find the combination that works best.
Alisha Bryan certainly seems to have permanently earned the goal shooter bib, emerging as one of the Tigers’ best for the second successive round, while Ailie Flett was the latest Tiger to make her A Grade debut in 2019.
North Gambier is in uncharted territory at the moment with only one win from four outings and they will be desperate to get the better of the Cats this weekend.
West Gambier faces its toughest test in a top of the table battle with reigning premiers Millicent.
