WEST Gambier looked ominous in the opening round of Western Border netball and with an unchanged line-up from its 2022 premiership success, North Gambier, which has had some significant personnel changes, will be up against it.
Sarah Ritter looked unstoppable in goals and Lisa McGregor was at her damaging best.
She played high up the court as the main outlet out of defence and then delivered with precision to Ritter.
At the other end, Amy Cram and Jade Ritter denied the Cats time and space every time the ball entered the goal third.
North will need to be patient and smart with ball in hand to find a way through their defensive set up.
The Roos were also impressive through the middle with the speed of Tara Bryant, who hit the circle’s edge time and time again with her strong drives.
She also worked hard defensively and created plenty of turnovers, as did Zoe Malseed, who was at her tight-checking best.
Mikaela Horrigan was at her unassuming best – just when you thought she was being well held, she would find space.
Her creative delivery and good vision meant she delivered some of the more spectacular feeds.
North, like many of the other new look line-ups, is anything but settled and will need to work out just what its best-seven will be.
Macey Griffith will be a focal point in the shooting circle, while Brianna Walters will be the key in the mid court – another player who always impacts in both aspects of the game.
The experience of Mel Renko and Noni McConnell will be crucial in these early rounds, with both able to dominate the defensive end or impact in the mid court.
Lauran Norman was the X-factor in 2022 as she played in all three areas of the court when called upon and will need to be that versatile option again for coach Amanda O’Shaughnessy.
West not only looked impressive in Round 1 but also has the benefit of being the only unchanged line-up for 2023.
The Roos will look to use this in their favour to bank the wins in these early rounds.
