South Gambier v Casterton Sandford
In an exciting Western Border Football League clash, South Gambier hosted Casterton Sandford at Blue Lake Sports Park.
From the beginning, Casterton Sandford established its dominance, setting the tone for the game.
The Cats displayed excellent skills and managed to capitalise on their opportunities in tough conditions.
At the end of the first quarter Casterton Sandford had a commanding lead of 26 points, while South Gambier struggled to get going, managing only a single behind.
The second quarter was a hard-fought battle with both teams’ defences getting the better of the opposition.
At half time, Casterton Sandford remained comfortably in front with South Gambier scoring the only point of the quarter to find themselves 24 points behind at the main break.
The third quarter saw South Gambier putting in a commendable effort to fight their way back into the contest, however both teams failed to capitalise on opportunities.
The Cats struggled in front of goal kicking four behinds for the quarter, while the Demons were no better, booting three points.
Entering the final quarter, South Gambier needed a remarkable comeback to challenge Casterton Sandford’s lead.
The battle was fierce but Casterton Sandford’s early dominance proved decisive.
South Gambier kicked the side’s first goal of the game, but a goal for the visitors put the match to bed with the hosts finding themselves 24 points behind at the final siren.
Casterton Sandford secured the victory with a final score of 5.7 (37) to South Gambier’s 1.7 (13).
For South Gambier, Mitchell Sims, Harrison Mitchell, Oliver Thomson, Emerson Marks and Harry Wright were named in the best players in a tough game.
Casterton Sandford’s Jarrod O’Brien, Diarmid Cleary, Michael Krieger, Dylan Ayton, Alastair McCrae and Damian Wombwell stood out on the day, providing crucial roles in the side’s win.
South Gambier will be disappointed with a slow start that proved the difference at the final siren.
Casterton Sandford now sits 12 points clear of South Gambier on the ladder with eight games remaining, meaning the side is likely to play finals this season.
West Gambier v East Gambier
East Gambier squared off against West Gambier at Malseed Park as the Doggies sought to cause the upset of the season trying to win their first game since April last year.
East Gambier showed intent early as the Dogs were quick out the blocks and got off to a strong start in the first quarter.
East Gambier made the most of its early dominance to capitalised on scoring opportunities.
East Gambier managed an 11-point lead at quarter time, with a score of 3.1 (19) to West Gambier’s 1.2 (8).
West Gambier showed resistance, however the Bulldogs were able to fight the side off and extend its lead to 13 points at the main break.
Both teams continued to battle fiercely throughout the third term, with West Gambier gradually chipping away at East Gambier’s lead during the as the Roos began to show why they are second on the ladder.
West Gambier managed to outscore East Gambier in the quarter, reducing the deficit to just one point at the final change.
Heading into the final term, the score stood at 7.3 (45) for East Gambier and 6.8 (44) for West Gambier.
The final quarter was filled with tension and excitement as both teams fought tooth and nail for victory.
The Roos displayed tremendous resilience and determination, managing to overtake the Bulldogs on the scoreboard when it counted.
The home side proved too strong for East Gambier as it secured a nine point lead at the final siren.
For West Gambier, Thomas Holmes, Brody Virgo, Jesse Pfitzner, Mitchell Cornolo, Reece Cowling and Jordan Williams were best players in a hard fought, come from behind victory.
East Gambier’s Nicholas Lock, John Forster, Laughlan Brooker, Giancarlo Cooper, Jack Lawrence and Sam Lock were crucial for the side to really challenge such high quality opposition.
West Gambier’s ability to overcome a deficit and secure the victory is an important facet of a successful team and the Roos will be pleased to come away with the four points despite a slow start.
East Gambier’s performance was commendable, while it was unable to get the win, the side managed to take it up to one of the best teams in the competition on their home ground and push them.
However East Gambier remain bottom of the table, still the only team in the league without a win.
Millicent v North Gambier
Millicent faced off against North Gambier at the Saints’ home ground of McLaughlin Park for an enthralling round eight clash between two high quality sides.
The opening term was hard fought with both teams struggling to create opportunities to score.
Millicent managed to secure a slight advantage in the first quarter, taking a one-point lead with a score of 1.2 (8) to North Gambier’s 1.1 (7).
The match was evenly contested, setting the stage for an exciting battle.
As the game progressed into the second quarter, both teams continued to fight hard.
Millicent displayed excellent defensive work, limiting North Gambier’s scoring opportunities, however both teams were able to hit the board.
Millicent, however, proved sloppy in front of goal, unable to blow the Tigers out of the game,
At half time Millicent had managed to ever so slightly increase its small lead to three points, with a scoreline of 2.6 (18) to North Gambier’s 2.3 (15).
The third quarter proved to be a pivotal period in the match.
Millicent showcased its excellent ball movement and increased the lead, applying plenty of pressure to the Tigers.
North Gambier faced fierce pressure and was unable to kick a goal for the quarter.
Millicent’s strong attacking play allowed the Saints to extend their lead to eight points, with a score of 3.8 (26) to North Gambier’s 2.6 (18).
Entering the final quarter, Millicent maintained focus and continued to execute its game plan effectively.
North Gambier would be disappointed with its final quarter effort as Millicent put the Tigers to the sword, converting its chances to take a comfortable lead late into the match.
North Gambier once again was only able to muster three points for the quarter, failing to convert chances.
The final scoreline was Millicent 7.9 (51) to North Gambier 2.9 (21).
Millicent claimed a 30-point win to extend its unbeaten run to 15 straight matches over the past two years.
For Millicent, Kade Varcoe, Kade Bradley, Frazer Bradley, Caleb Williams, Zac McGuinness and Clinton Gallio were recognised as the team’s best players.
Their contributions across different areas of the game were instrumental in Millicent’s success.
North Gambier’s players also displayed commendable efforts and made valuable contributions, with Sam Stafford, Nick McInerney, Jake Schutz, Bradley Adams, Tim McInerney and Nick Blachut standing out.
Millicent now sits a game clear on top while North Gambier stays third, 16 points behind the reigning premiers.
