WEST GAMBIER 57 d NORTH GAMBIER 53
FOR the second successive week, new North Gambier goal shooter Grace Potts enjoyed a strong outing but reigning premier West Gambier eventually had enough firepower to take the points in a Round 2 arm wrestle.
Potts would have been thrilled to see Jade Ritter absent which left the Roos’ defensive end without the height to combat Potts.
Of course, West has a star shooter of its own and Sarah Ritter, who dominated in Round 1, was again on fire to convert her opportunities from long range and under the post.
West Gambier won every quarter, albeit narrowly, until the last when North looked to conjure the upset.
However, despite the hard running of Brianna Walters, the strength of Potts under the post and some important defensive touches from Mikaela Pitt and Noni McConnell, the Tigers were unable to bridge the gap for a four-goal loss.
Despite missing her usual defensive partner in Jade Ritter, Amy Cram combined with the tenacious Racheal Langford and the pair was still able to create a turnover when required.
Her role in transition was also critical as she linked with Lisa McGregor, who is an expert at finding Sarah Ritter in space.
Sarah Ritter dominated the scoring again to net 48 from 55.
At the other end Potts was the dominant shooter but Macey Griffith contributed significantly more shots to the scoreboard than in Round 1, putting teams on notice that she is not just a feeder.
Walters relished the move to the attacking wing as Mel Renko took the centre bib for the West clash, with Walters’ speed and ability to work in small spaces perfectly suited to the role.
The Tigers will take merit from the result against last year’s premiers and they are sure to only grow stronger as the line-up settles into the season.
