Match of the round

CLOSE FIXTURE: North Gambier's Brianna Walters will work the mid-court when the Tigers visit West Gambier for the match of the round. Picture: James Murphy

WEST GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER

ALWAYS a tough match up, the clash between West Gambier and North Gambier at Malseed Park will be the match of the Western Border netball round.

The Roos continue to stamp their authority on the competition as the most likely challenger to Millicent and if North cannot limit supply to Sarah Ritter, there is no chance the Tigers can secure the win.

Ritter is not just finishing accurately but earning a stack of scoring opportunities, thanks to her strong combination with Lisa McGregor, as well as the connection with the emerging mid court of Mikaela Horrigan and Tara Bryant.

Denying Ritter too much ball will not just fall to the North circle defenders but also the pressure placed in transition and the key feeders.

That means the likes of Brianna Walters, Libby Morgan and Lauran Norman will need to deny the West mid court strong feeding position, while the battle between McGregor and Mel Renko will be match defining.

At the other end, West has a similar issue as they look to deny Caroline Wakefield too much supply.

Jade Ritter will be the direct match up and she has had some strong battles with the Tigers’ spearhead.

She will look for support from defensive partner Amy Cram and defensive work from Zoe Malseed and Bryant outside the circle will help force the Tigers into delivery errors.

West is the more settled of the two rosters as the Tigers continue to tinker with their line-up, which will give the Roos the edge in what should be a close contest.