MILLICENT 51 d EAST GAMBIER 44
IN the Western Border netball grand final rematch, East Gambier was unable to replicate its result from that last game in 2021.
The Bulldogs succumbed to Millicent by seven goals, which leaves the Saints undefeated at the top of table.
The game opened with a tense, goal-for-goal first quarter and perfect 10-from-10 shooting from Sarah Lock ensured the Bulldogs were right in the contest and they held a three-goal lead at the first change.
The Saints struggled at first to find their usual smooth connection with Tabatha Sanderson under the post but it was not long before they started to establish their free-flowing game.
Paige Nitschke and youngster Lillie Paul combined for the first time in the mid court and started to work well together.
They created more supply for Millicent’s goalers and Sanderson netted 12 from 13 in the second term to swap the lead, with the guests up by three at half time.
East’s Amryn Bosko also worked her way into the contest after a quiet opening quarter and her nine from 12 ensured the Bulldogs stayed in touch.
Bosko and Lock swapped bibs in the third quarter, while Kate Dempsey injected some fresh legs into the mid court at wing attack.
However, the defensive intensity of the Saints started to take its toll in the third term.
Hannah Nitschke, Portia McRae, Georgia Clarke and Paul piled the pressure on the feeders and kept the home side to only seven goals to extend their lead to eight at the final change.
Sanderson was still a factor in the last and while Lock and Bosko produced a perfect 14 from 14 between them, they could not eat into Millicent’s lead.
Morgan Amy took on the tough task of denying Sanderson the ball and she applied pressure all day and generated some important touches, while Bosko and Lock both had their times in control of the East shooting circle.
