MILLICENT 54 d EAST GAMBIER 41
MILLICENT headed to McDonald Park on Saturday and welcomed back star goaler Demi Verbena for her first game of 2024.
The day was all about 300-gamer Morgan Amy, who has been a consistent and reliable defender for the Bulldogs, but the Saints were desperate to spoil the party.
Millicent certainly generated more scoring opportunities in the first quarter and led by three goals at the first change, but the accuracy of Malinda Foster and Renee Henke ensuring East stayed in touch.
The Saints started to assert their authority in the second term as Verbena combined with Nikeisha Facey for 15 goals from 16 attempts.
Meanwhile, the defensive efforts of Portia McRae, Lauren Van Eeden and Edie Easterby stepped up as well to make it harder for the Bulldogs to find a way to their shooters.
It was a 10-goal difference at the half and East made some subtle changes to the line-up, moving Casey Horrigan into goals, Tegan Nunan to centre and Henke onto the attacking wing.
Millicent moved Verbena back to goal shooter and Easterby into the goal attack role.
The third quarter was an arm wrestle as both sides adapted to the changes.
Defensive pressure was the story of the term and it was reflected in the accuracy of the shooters, with East managing to pull back two goals as they went into the last.
The Saints again stepped it up in the final stanza and allowed the home side to only six goals, while they extended the lead to a final 13-goal victory.
Amy was a standout for the Bulldogs in her milestone game, while Foster continues to be so reliable in the shooting circle.
Lisa Duldig and Easterby were best for the Saints.
