A Grade – West Gambier 68 d Millicent 56
It was a victory 23 years in the making as West Gambier claimed its first A Grade title since 1999 with a commanding performance over competition benchmark Millicent in the 2022 Bendigo Bank Western Border Netball Association grand final.
Sarah Ritter converted 55 from 63 in a dominant best on court display where she was simply unstoppable.
Her strength on the hold, her finishing from long range, her well timed rolls all contributed to West breaking its premiership drought.
The defensive intensity from the Roos was also critical in conjuring the victory, with Amy Cram leading the defensive end, teaming well with Jade Ritter to deny Millicent easy scoring opportunities.
The pressure on the outside from Zoe Malseed and Tara Bryant was also pivotal, denying easy access to the circle’s edge and ensuring most passes were delivered under pressure.
The first quarter went to script as the two sides traded goals with some smooth, polished ball movement and all four goalers on court finished accurately.
It was the second quarter where things became tougher for both sides as the defensive efforts of stepped up.
Demi Verbena, Paige Nitschke and Lisa Duldig – who had enjoyed strong connections in the first quarter – suddenly found it harder to move the ball, while at the other end, Lisa McGregor had to do a power of work in transition, while Tara Bryant and Mikaela Horrigan also had to just keep presenting until Sarah Ritter opened up.
The second quarter was all about weight of possession in the end with West generating 21 scoring opportunities to Millicent’s 15 and that led the red and blue to go three goals clear at the half time break.
Edie Easterby entered the clash at wing defence at the main break as the Saints looked to utilise fresh legs and Easterby’s strong footwork and ability to create turnover ball to try and limit the scoring for West.
In the end, it was the Roos who held sway with their own defensive intensity as Cram and Jade Ritter continued to make good position, forcing the Saints frontline into errors, while accuracy at the other end from McGregor and Sarah Ritter ensured the lead extended to seven at the final change.
Tension was high in the opening minutes of the final quarter, with Millicent again looking for a way back by moving Hannah Nitschke to wing defence and Easterby into goal defence.
The young defender got her hands on the ball, while Millicent was best served by Tabatha Sanderson and Lisa Duldig and Easterby showed she is not out of place in the top grade.
But West had a steely resolve and by halfway through the final quarter they had denied the Saints anyway back with Sarah Ritter putting her stamp on the contest with 17 goals from 20 shots and the party was ready to start.
McGregor and Cram were the only players alive when West last claimed the A Grade title and they certainly led the way in this victory, along with Ritter’s stand out performance in goals.
