South Gambier 57 d North Gambier 47
THE Demons have finally done it – taken the premiership points on Anzac Day.
A high-quality, physical contest at Vansittart Park saw South Gambier lead narrowly at every change against traditional rival North Gambier.
The young side then remained composed in the last quarter to extend their lead and secure a 10-goal victory.
It has been many years since South has had the better of North in the April 25 clash and it was only really with five minutes to play that the result looked assured as the Tigers continued to work their way back into contention.
The victory was built on the back of relentless defensive pressure from the Demons and it was Ellie Bouchier – recipient of the Shirley Underwood medal for best on court – who created much of the turnover ball.
Her combination in circle defence with mother Brandi Bouchier worked seamlessly and made life difficult for North goalers.
With Ruby Richter and Imogen Walker working hard to pressure the feeders, South was able to force the usually composed Tigers frontline into errors.
Were it not for the outstanding finishing from Caroline Wakefield, who netted 41 from 42, the Tigers may not have stayed so close in the contest.
Her connection with Brianna Walters, who did not stop running and presenting all day, ensured the scoreboard never blew out.
Wakefield also received good service from Macey Griffith, as they continue to build their new-look shooting combination.
At the defensive end, Mel Renko was at her tight-checking best for North and her combination with Zahra Crough-Healon had some moments of brilliance which are sure to continue as the season progresses.
When the Demons were close against East Gambier in Round 2 they lost their composure but that was not the case on Monday.
Richter and the Bouchier defensive combination continued to create turnovers, while Walker and Megan Reid controlled the ball until the space opened up for the young shooting combination of Alyssa Duncan and Lara Munro.
The frenetic final quarter was all about opportunity, as South held the North frontline to only 11 scoring attempts, while generating 20 of their own to ride out the game.
