Slow start costs Demons

CHALLENGE: South Gambier goal shooter Lara Munro was in strong form as the Demons battled hard against Millicent on Saturday. Picture: Trevor Jackson

Millicent 57 d South Gambier 45

GIVING Millicent a head start is never a good idea and that is what South Gambier did on the weekend.

Trailing by nine at quarter time and 16 at the half, the Demons rallied nicely in the second half and showed they are on the improve.

They won the final 30 minutes to reduce the scoreboard damage to 12 goals by the final whistle.

Missing Tabatha Sanderson, the Saints were able to substitute one tall shooter for another with state player Annelise Janssen taking the goal shooter bib.

The teenager was strong under the post in her battle with South’s Grace Edwards, while Demi Verbena stepped up her game and took on more shooting responsibility.

In the opening half the defensive unit of Georgia Clark, Hannah Nitschke and Portia McRae created plenty of turnover ball.

They forced the Demons’ frontline into errors and jumped, while rebound opportunities were also presented to the Saints’ circle defenders.

South’s improved second half saw it look after the ball more and finish accurately.

However, the damage had been done and Janssen and Verbena combined for 27 goals from 30 attempts in the second half, which kept the lead away from any danger.

Lara Munro had a strong second half at shooter for South and her connection with Imogen Walker on the attacking wing and Alyssa Duncan at goal attack was strong.

For Millicent Lisa Duldig and Paige Nitschke were equally safe with ball in hand and provided good delivery to Verbena and Janssen.

Clark continues to be important for the Saints on the defensive wing, while Verbena showed true leadership in the absence of her usual shooting partner.