West Gambier 70 d South Gambier 49
LAST time the two met West completely dominated the young Demons from the first whistle and it was a 35-goal margin.
This time around, South Gambier put in a vastly improved performance despite missing key defender Ellie Bouchier to illness.
The final margin was still 21 goals but the Demons started strongly and would be pleased with the effort.
The Roos held a six-goal lead at the first change as Sarah Ritter and Lisa McGregor nailed 18 from 23 to set the tone, while at the other end, some inaccuracy allowed West defenders Jade Ritter and Amy Cram to show their strength on the rebound.
It was Sarah Ritter’s return from a knee injury and the young shooter did not miss a beat in a strong battle with Demons’ defender Grace Edwards, who applied good pressure over the shot and rebounded the rare misses to keep South in touch.
West’s mid-court, despite missing Mikaela Horrigan, showed its trademark slick ball movement.
Anna Bosco fitted seamlessly at wing attack, while Tara Bryant continued her stellar season of two-way running and creative delivery.
The third quarter was a tight affair marred by an ankle injury to Ruby Richter, which forced South to reshuffle with Mykaela Thiele coming into goal defence.
Imogen Walker also moved to the attacking wing and Tully McShane took the defensive bib.
Again it was Sarah Ritter who took charge of the contest with her 15 from 16 as West extended a 14-goal half-time lead to 15 heading into the final term.
The strong connection between McGregor, Bryant and Sarah Ritter was again on show in the final quarter and despite the efforts of Edwards and Thiele the final margin was 21.
