NORTH GAMBIER 57 d CASTERTON SANDFORD 33
THE Cats did not come away with the win on the weekend but they continue to challenge the top sides as North Gambier had to work hard to secure its 12-goal Limestone Coast netball victory.
It was three goals at quarter time and the same margin at the half before the Tigers stepped it up a gear in the third, courtesy of some key positional changes.
This was the quarter where the damage was done as North set up the 12-goal lead before the final quarter was again an even tussle, 12-12.
Mel Renko moved into the defensive circle at goal defence alongside Stella Mobbs in that game-changing 15 minutes, while Macey Griffith and Mischa Human, the latter entering the game during the second quarter, started to connect with fluency.
Ava Collins also had an influence on the improved defensive effort from the Tigers with her height at wing defence causing issues for Casterton Sandford feeders.
The scoreboard damage by the Tigers in the third was also helped by a perfect shooting performance from Griffith and Human who converted 19 goals from 19 attempts to set up the win.
Cats coach Jodie Humphries did not sit back as the third quarter started to see the game slip away.
She moved Holly Smith to goal keeper to try and combat the height of Human and put Caeleigh Humphries into the shooting role with Ebany Jarrad put back to wing defence to try and use her reach to disrupt the North feeders.
However, the damage was done and North was able to survive its second scare of the season at the hands of the Cats.
Coach Kaitlin Egan was dominant in the mid court with her strong driving and ability to continually find the edge of the circle.
Her connection with Griffith and Human proved pivotal in that third quarter.
Renko was also a factor when she moved into the defensive circle, while Griffth continues to get the job done with her creative feeding, well-timed moves and accurate finishing.
Smith had an impact for Casterton Sandford at both ends of the court, while Phoebe Carlin was a consistent performer on the attacking wing, also having an impact with some defensive touches.
