MILLICENT 57 d NORTH GAMBIER 52
IT was a captivating preview of what the 2024 A Grade finals series could look like as Millicent hosted North Gambier in a blockbuster battle which saw the Saints secure a five-goal victory.
The match was highlighted by impressive shooting given how tense the goal-for-goal contest was with no more than the final goal margin separating the two teams at each interval.
Aside from some brief court time for star teenage shooter Mischa Human across the final three quarters, both sides stuck with their starting seven to get the job done.
Millicent had the addition of Lauren Van Eeden for wing defence late when Lisa Duldig was forced from the court due to injury.
Quarter time saw Millicent up by two goals, one at half time and then back to two at three quarter time before finishing with a 57-52 final whistle victory.
All four goalers on court had an impressive day on the stats sheet, as Saints shooter Nikeisha Facey netted 33 from 41; goal attack Demi Verbena converted 24 from 31 and Human and Kelly Lockwood combined for 30 from 34 in the shooter position.
North’s goal attack Macey Griffith converted 22 from 25.
The battle in the centre between young Saints centre Lillie Paul and experienced Tiger Kaitlin Egan was one for the ages, while the work rate of Brianna Walters on North’s attacking wing was impressive on the back of what has been an outstanding season for the Tiger mid-courter.
Verbena was arguably best on court, with her work high up the court in transition and her leadership in taking charge of the attack line, while also having her own impact on the scoreboard.
The victory for Millicent means each of the top three teams have now had victories over the other two major contenders, setting up an intriguing inaugural finals series.
