A GRADE – MILLICENT V WEST GAMBIER
All three clashes between Millicent and West Gambier have been tight, which sets the stage for a tense second Western Border Netball Association semi-final.
The challenge for the 2021 runners-up will be limiting the scoring opportunities for Sarah Ritter and Lisa McGregor and that will be a whole team defensive effort.
Portia McRae will take responsibility for Ritter which will be a battle that could decide the result.
Hannah Nitschke will need to go step-for-step with McGregor, who is the architect of the West attack play and feeds the ball with precision to Ritter.
Lillie Paul and Lisa Duldig will also need to be at the top of their defensive game, denying Mikaela Horrigan and Tara Bryant easy access to the circle.
West also needs to limit supply to Tabatha Sanderson and Demi Verbena, who are strong and creative.
Zoe Malseed will need to wear Paige Nitschke like a glove and work with Bryant to pressure the feed so Jade Ritter and Amy Cram can pounce.
It is a match that really is a toss of the coin, but Millicent is likely to prevail in a tight encounter.
A RESERVE – MILLICENT V EAST GAMBIER
The A Reserve second semi-final will be a tense physical encounter between Millicent and East Gambier.
East has one mission – denying tall shooter Annelise Janssen the ball – which will not be an easy task for defenders Chloe Perryman and Sharna McKinnon.
The bottom line is while it looms as a tight contest, Janssen will not get any shorter, meaning the path to scoring will be easier for the Saints and they should advance to the grand final.
B GRADE – MILLICENT V NORTH GAMBIER
Millicent has had the edge against North Gambier and should earn the first place in the grand final.
Jemma Hayward is a classy goaler with impeccable timing and stunning accuracy from anywhere with Mia Varcoe or coach Jacqui Matthews, plus strong supply from the mid court.
The Tigers have a strong scoring combination of their own but at the other end, Nat Fox is the leader of the defensive line and a key player in transition.
North is not without its chances, but the Saints should take that first spot in the grand final.
C GRADE – EAST GAMBIER V MILLICENT
This match looms as one of the tightest of the day as East Gambier and Millicent battle it out for the first spot in the 2022 C Grade grand final.
The Bulldogs had the better of the Saints in the first two encounters but the last time the two met it was a draw, suggesting a tight battle could play out this weekend.
The Saints shooting combination of Sapphire Sims and Claudia Pratt has been one of the best in the 2022 competition, but they will have to work their way through the tenacious defence of Lucy Davis, Eryn Caruso and Shannon James.
This looms as a goal for goal contest with the Bulldogs starting as slight favourites.
17 and UNDER – MILLICENT V SOUTH GAMBIER
Millicent easily won the round one clash between these two teams, followed by two narrow wins before South turned the tables.
It sets up a quality contest in this semi-final as both sides look to earn that first grand final position.
Annelise Janssen looms large for the Saints with her height making life difficult for any defensive line with the delivery from Abby Denton.
The Saints will just have the edge in this contest and book that first grand final spot.
15 and UNDER A – MILLICENT V NORTH GAMBIER
The 15 and Under A second semi-final looms as one of the tightest contests of the weekend as Millicent takes on North Gambier.
The Saints have won two of the three encounters this season with the mid court led by Poppy Venn and Piper Paul.
Macey Griffth will be back on court and she is as composed and smart as they come in goals.
At the other end of the court, the defensive line for the Tigers is also quality.
Both sides are packed with talent, so it will be a high-pressure, high-quality game.
15 and UNDER B – NORTH GAMBIER V MILLICENT
North Gambier enters this second semi-final with a 2-1 winning record over Millicent, but the Saints will take some confidence in knowing they have defeated this strong Tigers outfit at least once.
North is blessed with height in the shooting circle with Megan Wells and Milly Allen both strong on the hold and accurate on the finish.
Chloe Gysbers and Poppy Thorne will control the Millicent midcourt, while Bree Watson is a versatile performer that can impact at either end.
The Tigers especially with their tall options at either end should book that first spot in the grand final.
13 and UNDER A – MILLICENT V WEST GAMBIER
The Saints enter this second semi-final sitting pretty, undefeated on top of the 13 and Under A and seemingly unbeatable.
Their opponents this weekend, West Gambier, are chock full of talent but Millicent appears a class above, having easily defeated the Roo’s on all three occasions this season.
Lila Pearson is a key for the Roo’s, using her height to great effect under the post but it will be a hard ask given Millicent is stacked with talent.
Kalani Dunn and Ashlee Dean are a strong shooting combination while at the other end of the court, Emily Denton will anchor the defensive line.
It is difficult to see a way where West can upset the Saints, who will advance in style to the 2022
13 and UNDER B – MILLICENT V CASTERTON SANDFORD
Millicent has won all three contests this season, but it has not been convincing and the Cats will enter this clash knowing they can win.
Phoebe Rhook anchors the shooting circle for Casterton Sandford, while Adele Murphy and Renee Gorman will provide the strong drives.
The Saints’ defensive duties will fall to Audrey Galambos, Lainie Rainsford and Isabelle Wilson and their ability to create turn over ball should get the job done.
