NORTH GAMBIER v MILLICENT
NORTH Gambier would have loved to cash in on its stunning start last weekend against West Gambier, but it was not to be.
The Tigers know they will have to be more consistent this week in their clash with Millicent at Vansittart Park.
The Saints were challenged by South Gambier in Round 12 and no doubt have looked to iron out some wrinkles this week and North has already defeated them once this season.
Another tight contest looms in what is easily the match of the round.
Both teams have a similar challenge – to limit the amount of ball the respective tall timber shooters enjoy.
Both Millicent’s Tabatha Sanderson and North’s Grace Potts have been a dominant presence in their respective goal circles.
Both also have the benefit of classy goal attacks working in tandem and delivering the ball, with Demi Verbena and Macey Griffith both in good form.
The main responsibility for curbing the shooters’ influence will be Saints goal keeper Portia McRae and North keeper Mikaila Pitt.
Meanwhile the respective goal defenders – Millicent’s Lauren van Eeden and North’s Noni McConnell – will need to find the balance between shadowing their own opponent and also pushing back to the circle.
The mid courts are well matched with every battle able to turn the contest.
Experienced Tigers centre Mel Renko will go head-to-head with the hard-running Lillie Paul, while Lauran Norman will look to use her athleticism and height to disrupt the influence of Daisy Tunkin.
The battle of the day could well be Saints wing defender Lisa Duldig looking to deny Brianna Walters time and space to exert her influence on the contest.
The Tigers would also call Stella Mobbs into action as a shooter or defender, while Georgia Clark returned to the court last weekend for the Saints on the road to recovery from her knee reconstruction, which gives Millicent another option for the mid court.
It is almost too close to call but the Saints should get up in a tight one.
