South Gambier 45 d East Gambier 39
SOUTH Gambier claimed an upset victory over reigning premier East Gambier in Saturday’s closest game of Western Border netball.
It was a goal-for-goal contest in their last meeting and it followed the same script at McDonald Park on the weekend.
Every goal was hard earned as both teams applied relentless defensive pressure across the court, creating turnovers and forcing teams into error with ball in hand.
The Bulldogs were without Sarah Lock due to a troublesome calf and as such slotted Casey Horrigan into the goal attack role.
Her combination with Amryn Bosko looked composed in the opening quarter to net 12 from 17 and enjoy a two-goal lead at the first break.
The arm wrestle continued in the second and Bosko loomed as a scoring threat with nine from 11.
At the other end the South shooting duo of Alyssa Duncan and Lara Munro made every post a winner and netted 13 from 15 to reel the margin in to one at half time.
The Demons tweaked their mid court at the main break, bringing on the fresh legs of Ruby Richter to try and quell the influence of Tarsh McCallum.
The inclusion of Imogen Walker made a difference for the Demons and after half time she swapped bibs with Megan Reid as they tag-teamed the centre role to deny East star Emily Hunter too much ball.
The changes proved a masterstroke and Munro netted nine from nine and Duncan five from six as the Demons dominated the quarter.
Some strong defensive gains by Grace Edwards and Ellie Bouchier aided the forward momentum and South enjoyed a five-goal lead at the final change.
A frantic final quarter forced plenty of errors and turnover ball.
Shooting accuracy, particularly for the Bulldogs, dropped away but unlike their Round 2 meeting the Demons held on for a six-goal triumph.
Edwards and Bouchier dominated the rebounding stats and were able to keep winning the ball back to hold the Bulldogs at bay in the dying minutes.
For East Bo Creek never stopped fighting in defence but it was not quite enough to claim the points.
