WEST GAMBIER v NORTH GAMBIER
THE Malseed Park clash between West Gambier and North Gambier looms as the match of the day in Round 7 of Western Border netball.
The Roos come off a strong win over Casterton Sandford while North overcome a sluggish start to take the points against South Gambier.
Both teams have prolific goal shooters with Grace Potts dominating at the post for the Tigers and West’s Sarah Ritter proving tough to combat from every range in what has been a stand out season so far.
While denying them the ball will be a team effort based around pressuring feeders, much also falls on their respective opponents.
Mikaila Pitt will need to use her athleticism and ability to play the ball in the air and on the ground to try and limit supply to Ritter.
Meanwhile Jade Ritter will need to work overtime to try and force Potts further from the post than she prefers.
In the mid court Tara Bryant looms large as someone the Tigers will need to stop.
Whether that be through Brianna Walters or Mel Renko is yet to be decided, while the respective goal attacks will also be key players given they are the main feeders to their dominant shooting partners.
West’s Lisa McGregor and North’s Macey Griffith both do a mountain of work outside the circle and deliver the ball with accuracy to Ritter and Potts respectively.
Neither side can afford to lapse in their close-checking defence on these damaging players.
McGregor will match up on Noni McConnell, who thrives on the challenge of denying her opponent any time or space, while Amy Cram will use all her experience to unsettle Griffith.
The reigning premiers should remain undefeated but North will put up a fight across the four quarters.
