The intensity of the 2020 Western Border Junior Netball Association season did not slow down until the final whistle at McLaughlin Park on Saturday.
It was a fruitful day for Millicent, which collected three premierships in front of its home fans.
The final addition of the hat-trick was the 17 and Under title after a tough grand final against West Gambier.
The Saints had high hopes of success after a faultless minor-round campaign, but the Roos made their intentions clear with a fast start.
Nothing separated the rivals at the first break as West’s Sarah Ritter performed under the ring.
But Millicent shifted gears in the second term and opened an eight-goal lead after Paige Nitschke and Kate Walker combined well in front of goal.
The Roos did not give up without a fight and limited the damage during the second and third quarters.
There was an entertaining mid-court battle between Saint Hannah Nitschke and West’s Tara Bryant with the former prevailing as the game approached full time.
The Roos pressured Millicent all the way, but the home side’s finals experience proved decisive on the big stage to win by 10 goals.
Hannah Nitschke was named best on court after her hard work in the middle.
The South Gambier and Millicent rivalry was not just seen on the football field with another tight decider on the netball court in the 15
and Under A competition.
A thriller was in prospect from the early stages with the rivals unable to break free.
The scoreboard was locked at quarter and half time, but the Demons managed to edge ahead by one goal in the third term.
The last quarter was an entertaining display of netball with the play swiftly moving up and down the court as the lead changed hands.
Amid the electric atmosphere the Saints managed to find a two-goal advantage, but South continued to press hard in search for the win.
However, Millicent goalkeeper Portia McRae pulled off a critical turnover to ensure her side secured a two-goal victory.
The Saints were led by wing attack Daisy Tunkin, who secured the top individual honour.
Millicent enjoyed a more comfortable win over South Gambier in the 15 and Under B grand final.
Lauren Van Eeden was in fine form to lead the Saints to a 32-goal triumph.
North Gambier dominated the 13 and Under age bracket with a pair of commanding wins.
Stella Mobbs orchestrated a 23-goal victory over Millicent in the 13 and Under A Grade grand final.
The Saints put up a sterner fight in the 13 and Under B decider, but the contest was headlined by Torah Jones with a best-on-court performance in the Tigers’ 33-21 success.
