MILLICENT v WEST GAMBIER
THEY were the pre-season premiership favourites and Millicent and West Gambier will go toe-to-toe at McLaughlin Park this weekend in a rematch of the last ever Western Border netball decider.
The Roos started their inaugural Limestone Coast netball campaign with a strong performance over North Gambier with Sarah Ritter again looming as a scoring machine and her combination with co-coach Lisa McGregor as slick as ever.
The return to the court of Jess Holmes has added some speed and smarts to the West frontline, while Tara Bryant always performs at a high level and Zoe Malseed applies relentless pressure in what is a talent-laden mid court.
Mikaela Horrigan spent the off-season training in the goal keeper role – after a number of seasons on the attacking wing – and in tandem with Amy Cram she made a promising start to her defensive career.
The defensive end for the Saints started with a bang in Round 1 as youngsters Portia McRae and Lauren VanEeden continue to build a strong combination.
They will need to be at their best again to limit the scoring of Ritter and McGregor.
Their ability to deny easy ball to the Roos’ goalers will also depend on Millicent’s mid court applying plenty of pressure on the ball movement.
That is where Lisa Duldig and Lillie Paul come in, with their willingness to deny time and space to their opponents.
The Saints’ mid court will also need to be patient with ball in hand to find a way past Cram and co. with Daisy Tunkin using her speed to great effect to help find the Millicent shooters.
Millicent’s first choice shooters were not available in the season opener, so much will depend on who suits up for this Round 2 clash.
The slightly more settled West line-up should get the points.
