IT was a round when all Western Border football games went as expected, albeit with a huge result for the current ladder leaders.
Casterton Sandford remains undefeated after its demolition of East Gambier down at Island Park.
The reigning premiers are struggling to keep pace with the front runners in the competition and the Cats took full advantage.
Previously Callum Currie has been a standout for the Cats, but was uncharacteristically quiet on Saturday.
Not that it mattered, with the Cats finding plenty of run through coach Hamish Jarrad and on-baller Michael Cummings, to name just two.
In fact the votes could have gone to a number of players, with the likes of Tynan Shannon having another big game, Billy Galpin continuing to find run and space and Josh Stephenson having a big impact on the contest as usual.
The returning Will Macdonald took up where he left off and the Cats were simply too strong in all areas.
At Malseed Park the winning coach was not as pleased with his side’s effort, despite a comfortable victory over South Gambier.
According to Brad Wilson West had an “ugly” day, but he was still pleased to claim the points, with past players and sponsors there to watch the game.
It was also a big day for Steve Wenman who played his 150th game for the club, while Hawthorn great John Platten simply added to the day.
In true style Wenman never let the side down, running off the half back and banging two goals home just when the team needed it.
Finally at Millicent it was again a big day for Matt Duldig.
He has begun to hit his straps and find regular bags of goals, but the focus was also on the return of playing coach Clint Gallio.
Gallio has been out of action for a year since major knee surgery and slotted back into the lineup with his usual class.
It is an ominous sign for the rest of the league as the Saints continue to march forward towards the post season.
However, the Sportspower Player-of-the-Year weekly award for Round 7 goes to Cummings.
Cummings slotted into the mid-field on Saturday and certainly made his presence felt, banging home three goals to cap off a big day.
Casterton Sandford v East Gambier
3 – Michael Cummings (Casterton Sandford): A strong display of football around the ground and up forward, finishing the day with three majors to complement his mid-field work.
2 – Will Macdonald (Casterton Sandford): A solid return after injury, playing a key forward role and bagging four goals in a good display of marking.
1 – Ben Guthrie (Casterton Sandford): A solid effort in the backline, helping to foil many East forward forays.
West Gambier v South Gambier
3 – Lawry Bradley-Brown (West Gambier): Provided plenty of run for the Roos in a tough day of football.
2 – Steve Wenman (West Gambier): Played a pivotal role off the half back, running forward to bag two important goals as the Demons threatened to close the margin.
1 – Brayden Kain (South Gambier): Once again provided a solid target up forward for the struggling Demons.
Millicent v North Gambier
3 – Matt Duldig (Millicent): Massive presence up forward and in a marking contest. His reliability in front of goals saw him with another big haul, this time with five goals.
2 – James Weir (Millicent): Had a standout performance in the backline, preventing many North attacking plays and turning them around to the Saints’ favour.
1 – William Flemming (Millicent): A consistent effort which saw him look dangerous through the middle of the ground, while also scoring a goal for the Saints.
