IT will be a top-of-the-table clash between West Gambier and Millicent in tomorrow’s Round 3 of Western Border netball.
However, the Roos will be without star shooter Sarah Ritter due to state duties at the national championships and her sister Jade – who would normally take the goal keeper bib – has gone to support her from the sidelines.
Missing Jade Ritter from the defensive circle also adds to the challenge of stopping Millicent’s Tabatha Sanderson, who has started the season with two dominant performances.
Her efficiency is made all the more dangerous when paired with the precise delivery from Demi Verbena and Paige Nitschke, who ensure she has the ball in good shooting position.
The good news for West is Claire Hunter took the goal shooter bib in Sarah Ritter’s absence last round and showed great confidence in taking the shot.
She combines well with coach and goal attack Lisa McGregor.
The Roos’ mid court of Tara Bryant, Mikaela Horrigan and Zoe Malseed looks set to be formidable and the trio have played enough netball together to have a good understanding of each other on court.
Bryant’s battle with Daisy Tunkin will be a highlight of the match, while there will also be plenty of focus on the way the young Roos mid court matches up against the defensive pressure from Millicent’s Georgia Clarke, Hannah Nitschke and Portia McRae.
It is hard not to predict the Saints will remain undefeated but it will still be a good hit out for the Roos to see where they sit despite missing two key pieces of their line-up.
