THE Western Border netball match of the round will take place at Millicent this weekend with the Saints hosting East Gambier.
The Saints are currently third on the ladder, while East is just one game behind in fourth.
Millicent is coming off a tight loss to reigning premiers West, while East Gambier survived an arm wrestle with South courtesy of a stunning final quarter surge.
It sets up an intriguing clash at McLaughlin Park.
The Saints certainly start favourites given the form of Tabatha Sanderson and Demi Verbena in the shooting circle.
They have been supported by the strong form of Lauren VanEeden in defence and a mid court that boasts Lillie Paul, who is settling into her work in the centre.
Millicent will also take confidence knowing that it won the Round 1 clash between these two sides by 25 goals when these two last met.
The good news for the Bulldogs is defenders Bo Creek and Morgan Amy are coming off the South game as the best two players on the court, so the Bulldogs will be hoping they can limit the scoring opportunities for Sanderson and Verbena.
Chloe Perryman and Tarsh McCallum will be keys for the Bulldogs as well and will need to work overtime to find a way through the tight defensive unit of Lisa Duldig, VanEeden and Portia McRae to find Renee Henke and Casey Horrigan in good scoring positions.
East is one of the teams in 2023 still looking to develop chemistry as a new look combination so the more settled Saints should secure a strong win.
