West Gambier vs Millicent

Millicent hosted the Minor Premiers West Gambier with a spot in the Western Border Football League 2023 Grand Final on the line in an intense clash between the top two sides in the competition in 2023.

Millicent’s finals experience ended up proving a big difference as the Saints marched into its third straight grand final with a three-peat the goal for Millicent.

The opening quarter showed why Millicent has been the best team in the competition over the past three years as it dominated West Gambier with a massive first quarter which saw the reigning premiers kick 6.7 (43) to the Roos 2.0 (12) points.

The second quarter proved a real arm wrestle as neither side could take control of the game. Both defences worked overtime with West Gambier only scoring the two points for the quarter and Millicent scoring just the one, to take a 30 point lead into half time.

West Gambier needed a big response in the third quarter if it was to remain in the match however Millicent would come out firing and extend its lead further before the final break.

West Gambier finished the quarter 3.3 (21) too far behind Millicent 8.12 (60).

Going into the final 39 points down the Roos knew it had its work cut out for it and Millicent would prove too strong.

West Gambier closed the gap to 27 points but it was too little too late and Millicent would run out winners with a final score of 10.14 (74) to West Gambier’s 7.5 (47).

Millicent’s ability to maintain its lead in the face of West Gambier’s late charge showcased the experience in pressure situations that is vital during finals.

West Gambier Todd McPartlan, Thomas Holmes, Todd Lewis, Michael Minuzzo, Joseph Ferguson-Lane, Lewis Lean were named amongst the best in a disappointing day for the Roos

For Millicent the best players were Jacob Carger, Hamish McRae, Josh Werchon, Finn Grimes, Harry Tunkin, and Kalan Shanks.

Captain Jacob Carger led from the front for Millicent kicking four goals and getting his side a place in the Grand final.

After two losses in a row during the season to West Gambier, Millicent knew it had its work cut out for it, but the saints showed up and displayed why it has won back to back premierships and now the side is one match away from a three-peat.

West Gambier will need to respond next week when it faces North Gambier, the Roos have beaten the Tigers in all three of the sides meetings during the season but it’s finals time and anything is possible.

Reserves – West Gambier v Millicent

Millicent are through to the 2023 Grand final after an incredible win over minor premiers West Gambier.

The match would end up in a nail biter, with the Saints winning by a single point.

The match was a close contest with neither side able to create a substantial lead.

The Roos held an 18 point lead at three quarter time, however in the final quarter it could only manage to score two points for the quarter and the Saints charged home to book its spot in the grand final.

The final score finished Millicent 7.12 (54) to West Gambier’s 8.5 (53) in a classic match.

West Gambier will now face off against East Gambier, the Roos have beaten the Doggies comfortably in the sides previous meetings this season.

If East Gambier is to cause an upset it will need to improve big time from its previous meetings.

Under 18 – South Gambier v North Gambier

South Gambier played out an excellent victory over rivals North Gambier to take its spot in the grand final.

North Gambier were quick out of the blocks taking a 16 point lead at quarter time.

However the Demons fought back to take back the lead at half time.

From there South Gambier did just enough to stay in front before running away with the game in the final quarter.

South Gambier finished 21 point winners with a final score 11.8 (74) to North Gambier 8.5 (53).

For a chance to go through to the grand final North Gambier must now beat West Gambier, West Gambier have beaten North Gambier once this season and will hope to replicate it this Saturday.

Under 16 – Millicent v South Gambier

South Gambier put in a dominant performance to book itself a grand final spot for the 2023 season.

Millicent managed to keep in touch at quarter time only three points behind, however the Demons would then run away with the match in the following

quarters.

It ended up being a comfortable 59 point win for South Gambier with the final score being South Gambier 12.7 (79) to Millicent 3.2 (20).

Next week Millicent will take on West Gambier for a chance at a rematch against South Gambier.

Millicent has played three tough matches against West Gambier this season taking the win in all of them, however next week’s match will be another scrap in a do or die clash.

Under 14 – Millicent v South Gambier

South Gambier had booked its spot in the Grand Final in the Under 14s after having no real issue getting past Millicent.

South Gambier lead at every break to control the majority of the match, and the final score would finish South Gambier 6.3 (39) to Millicent 4.2 (26).

The Saints now face North Gambier this weekend as the two sides battle it out for a spot in the grand final against South Gambier.