South Gambier v East Gambier
South Gambier emerged victorious over East Gambier in a closely contested battle, as two winless sides looked to claim their first points of the Western Border Football League season.
South’s final score of 58 (7.16) had the Demons finish with a 10 point win over the Bulldogs, who scored 48 (6.12).
South Gambier failed to capitalise on its home ground advantage early, with East Gambier taking a lead into quarter time, after the Demons kicked six straight points.
The Doggies were not much better in front of goal, kicking three behinds from their four scoring shots, but their one goal was enough to give them an early lead.
East Gambier managed to keep the pressure on and scored two goals and two behinds in the second quarter, extending the lead to 11 points at halftime.
South Gambier continued with poor kicking in front of goal, again having six shots for six points.
The Demons finally started to close the gap in the third quarter as they finally managed to find the big sticks.
East Gambier came out firing, kicking the first goal of the third term, but South Gambier responded kicking the next three.
The scoreboard at the end of the third quarter showed South Gambier at 32 points trailing East Gambier on 34 points.
In the final quarter, both teams battled fiercely, knowing the outcome of the game was still uncertain.
South Gambier managed to hold off East Gambier’s advances, kicking a further four goals to gain a 10-point lead by the final siren.
East Gambier fought valiantly, however, it was not enough as the Doggies ran out of steam in the final quarter only managing two goals to South Gambier’s four.
There were standout performances from players on both sides.
For South Gambier Taylor Saffin, Oliver Thomson, Hugh Winterfield, Kyle Jones, Rex Jones and Luke Foran showcased exceptional skills and played pivotal roles in their team’s victory.
For East Gambier Riley Flamank, Tully Balshaw, John Forster, Carl Slape, Reece Lillecrapp and Keenan Dwyer were highlights.
South Gambier’s Luke Foran and Ethan Chuck were crucial scoring two goals each, while Brayden Kain, Kyle Jones, Chris Fallas, Rex Jones and Nelson Forbes contributed with one goal each.
East Gambier’s Riley Flamank had an outstanding performance, scoring four goals.
The victory sees South Gambier go four points clear of East Gambier on the ladder, as the side continues to search for its first win since April last year.
Millicent v West Gambier
Millicent has proven to still be the best team in the competition with a massive top of the table win over West Gambier.
The two best sides in the Western Border Football League battled it out as they hoped to continue their winning ways, however Millicent handed the Roos their first defeat of the season.
It was a tight contest that went down to the wire, with Millicent claiming a 12-point victory at home.
It was a slow start from both teams as they battled it out for the early advantage, Millicent failed to kick a goal in the first quarter with West Gambier’s one goal giving the Roos the advantage at quarter time.
They quickly established their control, scoring eight goals and one behind, accumulating 30 points by the end of the first quarter.
Millicent struggled to keep up, managing only two goals and two behinds, resulting in a total of 14 points.
In the second quarter Millicent kicked one goal four behinds as West Gambier kicked away controlling the game in the first half.
West Gambier managed three goals four in the quarter, as the Roos extended their lead to 20 points at halftime.
The Saints showed their determination as they fought back to claim a lead at three quarter time.
They mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring six goals and three behinds, snatching back the lead.
West Gambier fought hard to maintain the advantage but was outclassed by the reigning premiers, only managing two goals and four behinds.
Millicent regained the lead at three quarter time with a 53 to 46 scoreline.
In the final quarter both teams battled fiercely for victory, as Millicent showed why the Saints are the best team of the last three years.
Millicent continued to display impressive skill and accuracy, adding two goals and two behinds to the final tally.
West Gambier was not clinical enough in front of goal to keep in it with one goal and three behinds.
The final siren sounded with Millicent celebrating a hard-fought 12-point victory, handing the Roos their first loss of the season.
Named in the best from Millicent were Thomas Renzi, Caleb Williams, Sam Waring, Frazer Bradley, Clinton Gallio and Kade Bradley.
West Gambier’s Jesse Pfitzner, Lewis Lean, Kyle Giddings, Jordan Williams, Ethan Giddings and Brandon Newton were standouts in a losing side.
Millicent’s Frazer Bradley was the standout performer, scoring an impressive five goals.
Sam Willis and Dylan Tincknell also made notable contributions kicking two and one respectively.
West Gambier’s coach Daron McElroy put up a commendable performance, scoring two goals for his team, while Braiden Ousey contributed with two goals as well.
Millicent’s hard-fought victory in round five has sat the Saints firmly atop the ladder, comfortably the best side in the competition.
West Gambier will come away knowing they must play a more solid four quarters of football if they are to be a real threat to ruin Millicent’s threepeat hopes.
