WEST GAMBIER v EAST GAMBIER
WEST Gambier was in the second semi final up to its neck but the Saints pushed over the line with a 10-minute purple patch last weekend.
Now the Roos must beat reigning premier East Gambier in tomorrow’s preliminary final if they are to earn another crack at Millicent in the 2022 Western Border netball decider.
West has beaten the Bulldogs on all three occasions this season, with the largest margin 21 goals in Round 14.
However, the Bulldogs have been building towards this finals series and while West starts warm favourite, the result remains to be decided.
For the Roos the start will be key and ensuring they match the Bulldogs’ intensity and absorb the frenetic way East has started games in the past few weeks.
East comes out physical, contests everything and applies pressure all over the court.
Push through that initial intensity and deny the Bulldogs from translating it onto the scoreboard and you will be in the contest.
There are intriguing battles all over the court.
Tara Bryant running with East co-coach Emily Hunter will be one of the match ups of the day and go a long way to deciding the final outcome.
East goal keeper Morgan Amy comes off a best-on-court performance in the first semi final and she will need to bring the same level of form as she looks to curb the scoring machine which is Sarah Ritter.
Jade Ritter also has a task, with East shooter Amryn Bosko coming off a dominant finals performance as well.
West wing defender Zoe Malseed faces the challenge of denying Tarsh McCallum easy access to the circle’s edge.
McCallum can run all day, so Malseed will have to set herself for four quarters of relentless pressure to ensure McCallum does not emerge the matchwinner.
The other wing is also has some intrigue, as the in-form Tyne Bosko looks to limit the influence of Mikaela Horrigan.
Tyne Bosko is one of the few wing defenders who can match Horrigan for height and athleticism so it will be a pivotal battle.
Lisa McGregor is the architect for West in the attacking third and her match up with Bo Creek will be a match-shaping one.
Creek will need to not just deny McGregor too much ball but also be available to help Amy if Sarah Ritter has too much influence.
The other goal attack-goal defence battle is also critical as Amy Cram goes one-on-one with Sarah Lock, who does a mountain of work out the front of Amryn Bosko and is an accurate long range shot.
West has shared premiership favouritism with Millicent all season and it will finally earn the elusive grand final berth, ending East’s premiership defence at the final hurdle.
PRELIMINARY FINAL SCHEDULE – ISLAND PARK (SA times listed)
Court 1: 13 and Under A – West Gambier v North Gambier, 9am; 15 and Under A – North Gambier v West Gambier, 10.15am; 17 and Under – Millicent v North Gambier, 11.30am; A Reserve – East Gambier v West Gambier, 1pm; A Grade – West Gambier v East Gambier, 2.30pm.
Court 2: 13 and Under B – Casterton Sandford v West Gambier, 10.15am; 15 and Under B – Millicent v East Gambier, 11.30am; C Grade – Millicent v South Gambier, 1pm; B Grade – Millicent v South Gambier, 2.30pm.
