Millicent v West Gambier
THE Western Border netball top-of-the-table clash between Millicent and West Gambier will ultimately decide the premiership favourite.
Both sides have been scoring big of late and it will come down to whoever can apply the most defensive pressure.
Tabatha Sanderson will return to the court for the Saints and will reunited with Demi Verbena who has continued to dominate at goal attack as a leader in the Millicent frontline.
The scoring potential at the other end has been even greater with Sarah Ritter scoring 50-plus goals every week.
She is joined by Lisa McGregor, who – much like Verbena – uses her smarts and leadership to run the West attack line.
The mid courts have intriguing contrast with an experienced Saints taking on the speed and athleticism of the young Roos.
Lisa Duldig is all class and Paige Nitschke is as unassuming but as effective as they come.
Both are safe with ball in hand, while Georgia Clark has brought tenacity to the wing defence role and can run through the middle if required.
The West mid court has the speed and class of Tara Bryant, the height and creative feeding of Mikaela Horrigan and close checking and strong driving of Zoe Malseed.
Both defensive lines will look for their mid courts to slow the passage of play and pressure the delivery into the shooting circle.
Milicent’s Hannah Nitschke and Portia McRae have formed a tough defensive duo, finding the balance of tight checking and hunting the interception.
The McRae-Ritter battle will be one for the ages.
At the other end, Amy Cram continues to be one of the smartest defenders in the competition and her combination with Jade Ritter has also developed nicely.
It looms as a tough goal-for-goal battle which should post more high scores.
The Roos should just edge out the Saints for the second time this season.
