MILLICENT 58 d SOUTH GAMBIER 39
OVER the past couple of seasons, Millicent goal attack Demi Verbena has done most of her damage with her precise delivery to Tabatha Sanderson.
But with her shooting partner unavailable on the weekend, the multi-premiership Saint showed all her tricks.
Her well-timed drives and ability to convert from long range had her dominate the scoreboard, especially after moving from her starting role at goal shooter back out to the more familiar position of goal attack.
Verbena netted 44 of the Saints’ 58 goals in what was a comfortable 19-goal victory over South Gambier.
South came out of the blocks firing and worked its way to a three-goal quarter time lead.
The shooting combination of Alyssa Duncan and Gracie Dalton converted 13 from 14 and the new-look attack line, with Megan Reid at wing attack and Sophie Wight leaving the defensive end to run centre looked efficient and effective.
However, Millicent wasted no time reacting to the Demons’ early form.
Usual goal keeper Portia McRae was shifted into the shooting circle, Kimmi Tincknell went back to goal keeper and the mid court returned to its usual configuration with Lisa Duldig on the defensive wing, Lillie Paul in centre and Daisy Tunkin on the attacking wing.
The effect was immediate as the Saints won the second quarter 18-3 to turn the match on its head.
Verbena was everywhere, shooting 13 from 16 and Tincknell’s close checking, combined with Lauren VanEeden’s athleticism out front allowed the Saints to generate plenty of turnover ball.
To the Demons’ credit, they regrouped after the second quarter onslaught and only went down by one in the third quarter as Dalton started to find her feet against the wily Tincknell.
In the end, the final margin was 19.
However, given every player in the South line-up is under 20 years of age against a club which has been playing off in almost every grand final for the best part of two decades, it was a valiant effort.
Verbena was outstanding, while Duldig controlled the mid court, VanEeden generated plenty of turnovers and Tunkin used her speed to great effect.
Wight was the Demons’ best with her hard running through the mid court, doing damage defensively and providing plenty of drive into the attacking third.
Duncan also worked overtime to always provide an option.
Nikiesha Facey made her A Grade debut for the Saints when she took to the court in the final quarter – continuing the generational association of the Facey family with the Millicent Football Netball Club.
