WEST GAMBIER 84 d CASTERTON SANDFORD 35
CASTERTON Sandford can attest to the fact there appears to be no premiership hangover at Malseed Park with West Gambier looking as polished and well drilled on Saturday as when it powered to a drought-breaking performance last year.
The reigning premiers had 15 goals on the board before Madalene Cleary netted the Cats’ first in a stunning opening term.
The Roos’ went long and direct and finished accurately and the defensive line-up refused to allow Casterton Sandford any easy possession.
The Cats’ cause was not helped by missing three of their usual starting seven – one player from each area of the court – but West was in no mood to show mercy.
Sarah Ritter was unstoppable as she netted 18 from 21 in that frenetic opening quarter.
She nailed shots from under the post and long range, while the delivery from Lisa McGregor and Tara Bryant was on point every time.
The start of the second quarter was a goal-for-goal contest as the Cats settled into their work.
Chelsey Galpin and Indi Longhurst did a power of work in the mid court, while Cleary worked overtime to set up scoring opportunities and Meg Smith and Ebany Jarrad started to find their feet in defence.
However, as the quarter wore on Amy Cram and Jade Ritter were able to secure some good turnover opportunities and once again the ball was back in Ritter’s hands.
She converted 15 from 16 to see the lead blow out to 26 by the half.
The Cats tweaked their line-up for the second half with Longhurst and Galpin changing roles and Smith and Jarrad also swapping bibs.
That produced a more promising start to the term, but West remained too slick with ball in hand and Ritter again netted 18 goals as the lead extended to 34.
It was the Roos who made the change in the last with McGregor moving back under the post and Ritter venturing out to goal attack.
However, the scoreboard pressure did not change much and it was simply that McGregor did the bulk of the scoring.
She netted 14 from 18 as West pushed out to a 49-goal margin at the final whistle.
For Casterton Sandford, Cleary was a clear best on court, while Longhurst impressed with her hard running and Libby Altorfer created some significant turnover ball and played a key role in transition.
Sarah Ritter, McGregor and Bryant dominated for the Roos, with Cram and Jade Ritter showing their defensive chemistry has only improved.
In reality there was no weakness in the West Gambier game plan with Mikaela Horrigan having a big influence in feeding during the second half and Zoe Malseed as tight checking as ever.
