South Gambier had a breakthrough victory over North Gambier on Anzac Day and the Tigers are out for retribution in round 8 of Western Border netball.
The Demons enter the clash buoyed by another drought breaking victory over East Gambier, their first in seven seasons, and while they know they will need to be careful with ball in hand, it will be as much about the defensive effort all over the court.
If the North feeders, Brianna Walters and Ash Kalantarian, are not put under pressure, they will deliver plenty of ball to Macey Griffith and Caroline Wakefield, the star Tigers shooter easily the most accurate finisher in the competition to date.
The North defensive line of Zahra Crough-Heaton and Mel Renko is starting to develop that all important chemistry, so South goalers Alyssa Duncan and Lara Munro will need to work overtime to find space and finish with the accuracy they showed last weekend.
It looms as another arm wrestle and it will be the team that limits their errors and looks after the ball that takes the point.
WEST GAMBIER V MILLICENT
The top of the table clash did not disappoint in round 3 and it looms as another nailbiter this weekend when West Gambier hosts Millicent.
The Roos were in control for much of that contest before going down to the Saints in a final quarter fade out.
Both sides will be looking for ways to deny the star shooting duos from enjoying too many scoring opportunities.
Sarah Ritter is in outstanding form and her battle with Portia McRae will be pivotal, while at the other end Jade Ritter will be looking to make life tough for Tabatha Sanderson.
Demi Verbena will be dangerous from long range but may need to shake off the persistent Amy Cram, with the Roos’ goal defender continuing to play career best netball.
Tara Bryant is part of that young mid court and the Saints will need to put some work into her because left unchecked her speed and strong drives will be damaging in getting the ball into the hands of McGregor and Ritter.
In the round 3 clash, Millicent just found a way but it might be the Roo’s turn to take the premiership points.
CASTERTON SANDFORD V EAST GAMBIER
The Cats are hosting the Bulldogs, who are coming off a disappointing loss to South Gambier, and much will centre on the fitness of East goal attack Sarah Lock.
Like many teams this year, the reigning premiers have not been able to get their preferred starting line-up onto the court and as the halfway point of the season approaches, the Bulldogs know
it is time to start finding some consistency.
If Lock has recovered from her calf strain and can team up with Amryn Bosko, it looms as an intriguing battle with the new look Cats defence line of Caeleigh Humphries and Charlotte Rice.
The Cats also have the luxury of Ebany Jarrad to slip into the defensive circle as well if required, while the battles in the mid court also loom large.
The East mid court is the only surviving combination from their premiership line-up with the speed and smarts of Tarsh McCallum, the hard running and athleticism of Emily Hunter and the tight checking and intercept ability of Tyne Bosko.
Madalene Cleary continues to be the shining light in the Cats goal circle and will need to lead the young attack line through the tough defence of Bo Creek and Morgan Amy.
East Gambier should bounce back and need to, if they want to continue to push for a finals berth.
