MILLICENT 57 d NORTH GAMBIER 42
LAST time Millicent and North Gambier faced off, the Tigers held on for a two-goal victory.
However, Saturday’s Round 8 clash had the Saints excel at home for a 57-42 goal win.
The opening half was an arm wrestle and even at three-quarter time, the seven goal deficit was not insurmountable for the Tigers.
But the Saints were not about to bow down and they dominated the final quarter to turn it into a 15-goal final margin.
Despite the tough wet conditions, both sides had value for money from their shooting combinations.
Millicent’s Tabatha Sanderson and Demi Verbena netted 57 from 68 and North’s Macey Griffith and Grace Potts converted 42 from 52 for the game.
Every match up was worth the entry fee.
Sanderson was again prolific under the post but young defender Stella Mobbs did not let the premiership goaler have things all her own way.
Verbena, who was arguably best on court with her accurate finishing, pinpoint passing to Sanderson and ability to find space thanks to her speed and timing, still earned every ball thanks to the tight checking of Noni McConnell.
Two of the competition’s rising talents, Millicent’s Daisy Tunkin and North’s Lauran Norman, battled hard all day.
Meanwhile experienced Tiger Mel Renko and young-gun Lillie Paul both had an influence for their respective sides through the mid court.
The other mid court battle between Saints superstar Lisa Duldig and reigning Shirley Underwood Medallist Brianna Walters was intriguing as both played critical roles for their teams.
North’s Macey Griffith and Millicent’s Lauren van Eeden were team mates at the recent SA Country Championships, representing Western Border in the 17 and Under competition.
However, the young duo were fierce opponents on the weekend as Griffith played her usual role of feeding Potts and Van Eeden played one of her best games in the top grade, creating plenty of turnover ball.
Potts and her clash with Saints young-gun Portia McRae was also pivotal.
