Millicent 66 d West Gambier 56
MILLICENT has solidified its hold on the top spot of the Western Border netball leaderboard with a top-of-the-table win over West Gambier.
After a tight opening half between the heavyweights at McLaughlin Park, the Saints put in a strong third quarter to set up an eventual 10-goal victory over the Roos.
In what many believe to be the most likely grand final pairing, both sides were at full strength as they looked to get the upper hand ahead of finals.
As expected, the respective shooters were front and centre, with Tabatha Sanderson returning to the court for the Saints for the first time in a couple of weeks.
At the other end West’s Sarah Ritter provided a strong target for the visiting team.
Sanderson was rusty early on the finish but her second half had her convert 29 from 30 as the Saints powered to victory.
Demi Verbena has been outstanding this season and she was again a key with her speed, ability to find space and accurate delivery to Sanderson.
Ritter was also at her accurate best, finishing the match with 46 goals from 52 attempts.
West enjoyed a one-goal lead at the first change, while it was Millicent by one at the half.
Perfect shooting from the Saints in the third quarter – 19 from 19 – gave the home team value for every turnover.
The defensive line of Hannah Nitschke, Portia Mc Rae and Lisa Duldig – who moved to wing defence in the second half – was pivotal in creating those turnovers.
Georgia Clarke ran the centre after half time and the switch proved rewarding as the lead was pushed out to seven goals in the third quarter.
The two teams have now played three quality matches in the minor rounds, which sets the scene for an intriguing finals series.
Tara Bryant’s hard running through the middle was again pivotal for the Roos.
She will look to up the ante with defensive pressure next time the two meet, as turnovers were a little hard to come by in Saturday’s clash.
The competition now enters a bye for the SA Country Football Championships, with Round 14 set for July 23.
