Roos aim to maintain unbeaten record against Bulldogs in knock-out final

East V West Gambier Football & Netball TBW Newsgroup
BIG TASK: West Gambier's impressive defender Amy Cram has been in strong form, but will need to lift another level if the Roos are to overcome East Gambier in tomorrow's Western Border netball preliminary final at Vansittart Park. Picture: FRANK MONGER

East V West Gambier Football & Netball TBW Newsgroup
BIG TASK: West Gambier’s impressive defender Amy Cram has been in strong form, but will need to lift another level if the Roos are to overcome East Gambier in tomorrow’s Western Border netball preliminary final at Vansittart Park. Picture: FRANK MONGER

A GRADE – WEST GAMBIER v EAST GAMBIER

WEST Gambier will hope to maintain its unbeaten record over East Gambier in tomorrow’s Western Border netball preliminary final at Vansittart Park.

But previous encounters will count for little with a grand final spot on the line and both teams head into the clash after less than ideal preparations.

The Roos were ambushed by Millicent and never recovered to slump to a 31-goal defeat, while the Bulldogs dominated one half, but struggled in the other to claim a tight win.

Expect a tense opening quarter as the pair look to settle in and take an early lead.

The result of the game may lie under the ring as both sides possess a quality defensive end.

West’s Maddy Teakle and Amy Cram are a tough duo to break through and proved up to the challenge against the strong Saints.

Cram will likely be given the tall order to stand East’s electric Tenille Gray.

Gray was her trademark best last week and proved how dangerous she can be, but Cram is a smart defender who will use every trick in the book to deny her opponent.

Morgan Amy and Jacinta Clark were also critical for the Bulldogs, particularly during the frenetic final quarter when they were able to continually disrupt North’s attempts to score.

Amy will have to find a way to limit the impact of versatile Roo Lisa McGregor.

McGregor not only does a mountain of work in West’s attacking end, but is a vital link player through the middle.

Another key duel in centre court will take place when East’s general Tarsh McCallum takes on the Roos’ recruit of the year Emily Hunter.

After sub-par outputs, both sides have worked overtime to find some chemistry in their attack line and the team which can nail it down first will be the one to challenge Millicent in the grand final.