North Gambier has started its 2023 Western Border Football League campaign with a strong performance, defeating South Gambier in the first round’s Anzac Day clash in near-perfect conditions for football.
The match was a special one as the two sides played on Anzac Day as part of the two sides’ annual tradition.
Both teams took to the field with specially made guernseys on the day, with the Tigers guernsey featuring red poppies as a symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. The jumper also featured a silhouette design of soldiers in battle and a soldier playing the bugle, paying tribute to those who have served and continue to serve to protect our nation.
South Gambier also swapped its regular home and away playing gear for special edition Anzac Day guernseys, which also featured red poppies in the form of vertical bars to honour Australia’s service men and women.
When play commenced South Gambier was hopeful of using its home ground advantage, but it did not show in the first quarter as the Tigers got off to a dominant start, with North Gambier kick 6.2 goals to the Demon’s solitary point.
The McInerney combination of Nick and Tim both contributed with goals early to get their side off to a flying start.
The Tigers controlled the game early and limited South Gambier’s opportunities to move the ball effectively.
By cutting off the opponent’s options down the wings, North Gambier created turnovers and launched quick counter-attacks which helped directly target the Tigers’ leading forwards.
By half time the game was firmly in North’s favour as South had only kicked the one goal and trailed by 43 points.
South Gambier, however, did not give up and played a much better second half of football, battling hard to fight back and reduce the deficit, but were ultimately unable to overcome North Gambier’s dominant start.
The Demons kicked three goals to the Tigers’ one in the third quarter to provide a glimmer of hope leading into the final term.
South Gambier gave it their all to fight back, but the game was safely in the hands of the tigers as they escaped a late burst to claim a 27-point victory, with the final scores South Gambier 6.9 (45) to North Gambier 10.12 (72).
Sam Sheppard continued to dominate in the forward line for the Tigers, kicking four with Nelson Forbes kicking two of his own for the Demons.
Despite some strong individual performances from players such as Mitchell Sims, Rex Jones and Alex Keast who were named in the best for the Demons, South Gambier was unable to match North Gambier’s consistency and balance across the full four quarters, with the Tigers sharing the goals around the side with 10 goal kickers compared to South Gambier’s six.
North Gambier’s hard-fought victory was a well-deserved one as the side showed excellent skills and composure throughout the match and were able to overcome a strong fightback from their cross-town rival.
The Tony Casadio Medal for best on ground was awarded to North Gambier’s Nick McInerney, who played a pivotal role in his team’s victory.
McInerney was a constant presence in the midfield and his efforts were recognised by the umpires as the stand-out player in what was a competitive and hard-fought game.
South Gambier, while disappointed with the result, can focus on the positive efforts and look to build on its performance in the coming rounds.
The Western Border Football League season is now well and truly under way and both teams will be looking to firm their positions and game plans as the season moves forward.
North Gambier will take on West Gambier in the second round at home, while South Gambier will travel to face Casterton Sandford at Island Park.
The season is shaping up to be an exciting one and North Gambier is sure to be in contention to play finals footy.
