WEST GAMBIER V CASTERTON SANDFORD
Neither West Gambier or Casterton Sandford have played for a month, so this weekend will be about blowing out the cobwebs.
The young Cats were really starting to hit their straps before the break, but the inability to train for the majority of the past month will not have helped that development.
Tara Bryant’s battle with Scarlett Jarrad through the middle will be intriguing with both working hard defensively and offensively.
The Cats frontline led by Tori Broomby will need to be patient and careful with ball in had with Roos’ Amy Cram, Jade Ritter and Nikeisha Facey forming a formidable back three.
West should record a comfortable win but could be pushed by the Cats.
SOUTH GAMBIER V EAST GAMBIER
Despite recording a strong victory, East Gambier was a little rusty when it took on the Cats on Saturday, July 10 and will be keen to get their mojo back as finals approach.
Still missing Tarsh McCallum, Kate Dempsey would appear to be the likely replacement and she has proved her worth many times at the top level.
With Tenille Gray and Amryn Bosko forming the most prolific shooting combination in the competition, South defenders Brandi and Ellie Bouchier will have their work cut out for them.
Much will depend on the Demons’ mid court slowing down the usual fast flowing ball movement favoured by the Bulldogs, especially with Tyne Bosko and Lisa Fyfe starting offensive runs with their strong centre third drives.
It is hard to mount a case for the Demons to upset the Bulldogs and one expects the more settled and experienced East line-up to secure a lop-sided victory.
NORTH GAMBIER V MILLICENT
Last time the two met it was a nail-biter and there is no reason to think it will not be another arm wrestle.
Both sides revolve their game plan around tall goal shooters – North with experienced star Caroline Davey and the Saint’s Tabatha Sanderson, who is so strong under the post.
Portia McRae will no doubt get the job on Davey and it was last time the two sides met the young defender first showed how ready she was for a permanent A Grade berth, while at the other end Maddie Whaites will use her ability to read the play and dominate the front position to try and quell Sanderson.
The issue both keepers have is the precise delivery that will come from those out the front of these two prolific shooters.
McRae will combine with Kimmi Tincknell, Lisa Duldig and Hannah Nitschke to slow the delivery into Davey, while at the other end the close checking Noni McConnell and Mel Renko will control what happens in the mid court.
Millicent has been challenged a number of times in 2021 but only slipped up against the undefeated Bulldogs and should prevail in a tight tussle.
