Battle of the giants

TOP CLASH: Mikayla Horrigan and her fellow Roos will hope to bounce back from their three-goal loss to Millicent in Round 3 when the sides meet for another top-order clash tomorrow. Picture: James Murphy

West Gambier v Millicent

THE Western Border netball top-of-the-table clash did not disappoint in Round 3 and it looms as another nail-biter this weekend when West Gambier hosts Millicent.

The Roos were in control for much of that contest before going down to the Saints in a final quarter fade out.

They will hope to show more of the form from last round when they dominated the final quarter against North Gambier to take the win.

Both sides will look for ways to deny the star shooting duos at either end.

West goal shooter Sarah Ritter is in outstanding form.

It is not only the amount of shots she is generating but the accuracy of her finishing is impressive and her battle with Portia McRae will be pivotal.

At the other end Jade Ritter will try to make life tough for Tabatha Sanderson, who has become a strong holding option at the post.

The increased output from Demi Verbena last week will not have been lost on the Roos and they will be all too aware of her ability to convert from long range.

Verbena of course will need to shake off the persistent defence of Amy Cram, with the West goal defender continuing to play career-best netball over recent seasons.

The other battle of goal attack and goal defence will also be match shaping as Hannah Nitschke looks to limit the influence of Lisa McGregor, who is the key link player in the young West frontline.

Tara Bryant is part of that young mid court and the Saints will need to put some work into her as well.

If left unchecked her speed and strong drives will be damaging.

In the Round 3 clash Millicent just found a way but it could be the Roos’ turn to take the premiership points.