MILLICENT 59 d WEST GAMBIER 44
YOU would not have known you were at the top of the table clash on the weekend in the opening minutes of the Western Border netball round five game, as neither Millicent or West Gambier scored for about two minutes, with errors the order of the day.
But the one thing the Roos did not want to do was to give Millicent a head start, but in the end that is what happened.
As play settled, the Saints were able to use their trademark quick ball movement and make the most of the turnovers created by Hayley Dunn.
Dunn dominated the rebounding duels and the Saints were six goals clear at the first change.
It was definitely the defenders at both ends who had the better of play, but while the reigning premiers capitalised on the work of their defenders, the Roos could not make them count on the scoreboard as the forward line could not find its usual chemistry.
However, it was an improved second quarter by the Roos as they broke even with the Saints.
Millicent was helped by the ability of both Demi Verbena and Donna Denton to convert long range opportunities, as Maddy Teakle and Amy Cram refused to give up shots close to the post.
The third quarter was where the Saints again flexed their muscles as Denton and Verbena continued to hit the scoreboard, despite the
best efforts of Cram and Teakle.
Dunn ensured any errant pass or missed shot resulted in Saints possession.
The third quarter replicated the first, with the Saints making the most of any turnover, while the Roos too often ended up handing the ball back.
With the fresh legs of Lucy Denton on the attacking wing, the Saints continued to move the ball with speed and by the final change the match looked safely in their keeping.
The Roos again responded in the last term, but the scoreboard damage had been done and the final margin was 15 goals.
Teakle was consistent over four quarters, while Carly Trevilyan played a huge role in offence, as well as her usual tight checking defence.
Denton, Verbena and Dunn were the best of the Saints, while the battle in the middle between West’s Emily Hunter and Millicent’s Lisa Duldig was a tough one, with the hard-running duo basically cancelling each other out.
