EAST GAMBIER 45 d CASTERTON SANDFORD 28
THE Cats hosted the Bulldogs at Island Park on Saturday for Round 12 of Western Border netball.
It was not the start Casterton Sandford was looking for, but it did recover after half time.
A strong third quarter had the Cats work their way back into the contest in what was a more even second half.
East Gambier has traditionally been fast starters and it brought intensity in spades with a devastating 26-8 goal opening half.
Relentless defensive pressure was the foundation for the dominant first half and slick ball movement ensured this dominance was reflected on the scoreboard.
East’s Ambah Beveridge suited up for her second A Grade match in the absence of Renee Henke and she took full advantage of the opportunity.
She presented strongly and took a lion’s share of the shooting responsibilities.
She shot 18 first-half goals as she battled it out with tenacious Cats defender Ebany Jarrad.
Casterton Sandford simply struggled to find an easy path to its shooters in the opening half.
The mid-court pressure from Eliza Cole and Chloe Perryman created much of the turnover ball, with Morgan Amy and Bo Creek dominating the defensive circle.
The Cats only generated 18 scoring opportunities in the first half, with East enjoying 42 shots on goal, so the scoreboard was always going to be lopsided.
Meg Smith entered the game for the home side at half time with the centre bib, moving Chelsey Galpin to the attacking wing, while circle defenders Jarrad and Caeleigh Humphries also swapped roles.
The changes had an immediate impact and the Cats won the quarter 11-6.
Madalene Cleary found more time and space in range and netted 10 from 12 for the quarter.
Smith and Galpin, along with her shooting partner Ivy Lane, started to use the ball more efficiently and refused to give up the easy turnovers of the first half.
By three quarter time the deficit had been reduced to 13 goals.
The final quarter was basically a goal-for-goal arm wrestle as the Cats showed what their best netball can look like.
While Cleary dominated the third quarter, it was East goal attack Casey Horrigan who starred in the last.
She converted 10 from 12 as the Bulldogs got back on track to record a 15-goal victory.
