Reserves – West Gambier v Casterton Sandford

In what could likely be Casterton Sandford’s last appearance in a senior Western Border Football League game, it fell heartbreakingly short of success in the sudden-death semi-final with West Gambier at Malseed Park on Saturday.

In a low-scoring thriller, the Victorian side held the aces with a four-point lead and only two minutes left on the clock.

When the Cats were able to get the ball into their offensive 50, they appeared to be taking the steps required to seal the deal and keep their season alive.

However, an intercept from James Waugh turned the game on its head.

Waugh’s turnover gave the Roos the small window of opportunity they so desperately craved and they were determined to make the most of it.

With a large home crowd cheering them on, the red and blue moved the ball forward quickly with a chain of kicks which finished in the hands of Riley Wilson.

Despite carrying the season on his shoulders, Wilson was calm under pressure and sent the Sherrin through the big sticks to retake the lead.

Casterton Sandford could not find a response and West kept its season alive with a stunning come from behind four-point win.

The game could have gone either way during the first three tight terms, but strong first and third quarters led by Dillan Carlin and Michael Jarrad helped the Cats extract a 14-point lead heading into the final term.

But the Roos put in an inspired final quarter effort booting three unanswered goals to snatch the game from the Cats’ paws.

Nathan Lewis and Callum Wagstaffe were key players alongside Wilson.

Under 18 – Millicent v West Gambier

The Millicent Saints marched all over West Gambier’s hearts in the Under 18’s semi-final at the home of the red and the blue.

The Roos were hardly given a sniff from the first bounce as the fancied opponent made its mark.

The combination of Harry Gibbs, Jackson Bowden and Matt Varcoe proved irresistible.

Gibbs collected a huge 10-goal haul as Millicent cruised to a big 87-19 win.

Under 16 – Millicent v Casterton Sandford

Despite being outnumbered, Millicent still cruised past Casterton Sandford in the sudden-death semi-final fixture.

The Saints only had 18 options to turn to against a Cats team with more age and depth, but they still gave their rivals no chance of victory.

Kobe Gibson and Ashton Lindner were powerful in the middle and controlled the play to give their forwards ample opportunity to build a lead.

Harry Gibbs led the assault kicking three goals with the highlight scored looking the wrong way when he sailed the Sherrin over his head and into the big sticks.

Sadly, for the Cats pointing in the wrong direction was the theme when they produced a funny moment.

With the game already gone, one Casterton Sandford player gained possession on the wing and saw some clear space between himself and the goals, so went on the charge.

After the dash, he unloaded from around 40 metres out and completed a stylish goal, but there was one problem.

Despite the ball perfectly splitting the big sticks, the goal umpire signalled a behind because the Cat kicked it straight through Millicent’s goals.

It brought a smile to a tough day for the Cats as they lost 62-16.

Under 14 – Millicent v West Gambier

West Gambier started and finished the day on top by overcoming Millicent in a tight Under 14’s battle.

A big second term broke the game open for the Roos and they were able to protect the lead after the main break to seal the five-goal win.

Captain Harvey Croker led from the front scoring four goals, while Lenny Tunkin fought hard in a losing cause.