A Grade – Millicent v West Gambier
West Gambier are the kings of the Limestone Coast Football Netball League, claiming the first premiership in the new league and their first since 2011 while also denying Millicent in claiming a fourth premierships in as many years.
The Roos travelled to Casterton’s Island Park and started the game strong, kicking the first two goals of the game and establishing good control of the contest.
The Saints were able to get their first in the back end of the quarter, however West was quick to respond with two goals of their own to extend the lead.
Millicent refused to drop their heads as they had an answer for West’s double goals, slotting through one in reply.
The Saints had a chance to slim down West’s lead as they got a kick after the siren but failed to convert, with the buffer 11 points at the first break.
Both sides played well in the second term with the Saints kicking four goals, however despite Millicent’s big quarter the Roos retained the lead as they put three goals on the board which took them into half time up by five points.
The Roos shifted into a new gear in the third term, holding the Saints to one goal.
West backed up their defensive work in the forward line as they kicked two goals which boosted their lead to 15 points heading into the deciding quarter.
The Roos continued to keep their foot on the pedal in the final term, holding Millicent goalless while putting the cherry on top of a great day with two more goals.
West Gambier defeated Millicent 11.7 (73) to 7.5 (47).
West Gambier’s Brandon Newton was named best on ground after an incredible performance, kicking four goals in the win.
The SE Voice spoke to a jubilant West Gambier head coach Daron McElroy after the ground, who said he was thrilled to be premiers, writing the Roos’ name in the history books of the new league.
“It feels pretty bloody good to be honest, it’s been a long time between drinks for West Gambier and we’re very, very happy,” he said.
“It’s special, it’s going to be in the history books forever, everyone is going to look back and see when this league started and they’re going to see our name on it and that was actually a talking point for us at the start of the year so we’re very happy.”
McElroy thought a lot of his players stepped up on the big stage.
“I thought Kyle Giddings was huge for us and I thought young Harvey Croker was great, Braiden Ousey battled great in the ruck and the list goes on and on,” he said.
B Grade – South Gambier v Millicent
Millicent claimed back to back premierships in the Reserves on Saturday with a big win over South Gambier in the grand final.
Both sides were evenly matched in the opening quarter with the Dees and the Saints both kicking a goal.
However South were able to edge a small lead with two extra minor scores which took them into quarter time with a two point lead.
Millicent responded well in the second term, scoring two goals while South struggled, only adding a point to their total and at half time the Saints held a 10 point lead.
The Saints continued to apply pressure on the Dees in the third term, kicking three goals while South could only manage one.
Heading into the final quarter the Saints held a 24 point lead.
The Saints ran away with the victory in the fourth, holding the Dees scoreless while adding four goals to their total to win the game by 52 points.
Millicent defeated South Gambier 10.8 (68) to 2.4 (16).
Millicent’s Nat Robbins was named best on ground.
U17.5 – North Gambier v South Gambier Red
North Gambier finally got over the hump on Saturday, defeating South Gambier Red in the U17.5 grand final.
The Tigers started strong in the opening term, scoring three goals while the Dees stayed in striking distance with a goal of their own.
After the opening quarter the Tigers held a 15 point lead.
The Tigers began to pull away from the Dees in the second term, scoring another three goals.
South, on the other hand, only managed one goal which took them into half time trailing by 30 points.
The Dees slowed down the Tigers in the third, holding them to one goal.
However, the Dees did not do much with their opportunity as they too only scored one goal in the quarter, and heading into the final term South Gambier remained down by 30 points.
Both sides were evenly matched in the final quarter as they both scored two goals.
The Dees could not muster a comeback from the five goal deficit as they eventually fell by 32 points.
North Gambier defeated South Gambier Red 9.10 (64) to 5.2 (32).
The best on ground medal was awarded to North Gambier’s Aaron Dally.
U14.5 – Millicent v North Gambier Black
Millicent and North kicked off grand final day in Casterton with the Saints coming away premiers in a low-scoring victory.
The Saints started strong in the opening term, owning the footy and having multiple chances to take the lead.
However Millicent only kicked one goal in the opening quarter with six points to go along with it.
Despite the rough kicking the Saints still managed a 12-point lead after holding the Tigers scoreless in the term.
The Saints kicked more accurately in the second quarter, slotting one goal which was the only score in the quarter.
After holding North to another scoreless quarter the Saints went into half time with an 18 point lead.
Both sides struggled in the third term, only managing one point each.
After a low scoring quarter the Saints retained an 18-point lead going into the final term.
The Tigers finally got things going in the last quarter as they scored their first goal and held the Saints scoreless.
However that was not enough to make the comeback as the Tigers fell short by 12 points.
Millicent defeated North Gambier Black 2.7 (19) to 1.1(7).
Millicent’s Ryder Linder was named best on ground
