WEST Gambier caused the final upset of the Western Border Football League home and away season on Saturday, when it claimed a six-point victory over minor premiers Casterton Sandford on the Cats’ home deck at Island Park.
Despite just a single goal the difference at the final siren, the visiting Roos looked comfortable in the lead from the start of the heated match up.
The Cats had a couple of solid runs in the second half where the score was tightened back up – including in the final minutes of play – but West held strong to carry confidence into this weekend’s semi-final clash with East Gambier.
Played in wet conditions, the game started evenly, with a goal to both teams before the talented Tom Zeitz put a second through the big sticks for West to set the lead up for the remainder of the match.
Zeitz was in fine form and provided a reliable target up front, with his second of three goals opening the second quarter.
Cats’ coach Hamish Jarrad had the chance to reply with a goal of his own shortly after, but it went through for a behind.
And that was the Cats’ only score until a late soccer goal from Billy Galpin in the 22nd minute, while the Roos banged through five majors for the term to lead by 29 at the long break.
As they often do, the Cats hit hard early in the third quarter in an attempt to reel in their opponent.
However, after a short run which saw the hosts with just one major to show as Galpin kicked his second, West took back control and maintained its lead.
The Roos soon answered with their own goal, which was backed up by another from youngster Reid Kuller, as a result of one of many 50-metre penalties given out on the day.
The final goal for the term saw West coach Brad Wilson take an impressive mark before delivering to Zeitz who converted his third.
With the Cats still within reach, Jarrad opened the ledger for the final stanza with a goal at the seven-minute mark, but the Roos soon replied to hold the margin at bay.
However, a shot from Casterton Sandford’s Josh Stephenson from 50 metres out landed on the chest of Will Macdonald and he put it through to make it a two-goal game 15 minutes in.
A clever kick off the ground from Jarrad saw Tom McArlein snatch the ball in front of goal and all of a sudden the difference was just one straight kick.
With the clock reading 23 minutes, it was a frantic rush from both teams, but with no further score the Cats suffered their third loss of the season.
Despite the defeat, there were some standouts for the Cats and Macdonald was rightly named as best-on-ground, as he stood tall in the ruck to give his team first use of the ball, as well as lending his services around the ground.
Callum Currie was also in good form despite not hitting the scoreboard, as he provided a driving force through the midfield.
Galpin and McArlein led the way with two goals each for the Cats, while youngster Todd Clode also found the big sticks, along with Jarrad and Macdonald.
Tynan Shannon, Matthew Killey and Stephenson were also among the best for their side.
For West it was the regulars of Lawry Bradley-Brown and Steve Wenman who best served their team.
Bradley-Brown found himself in the familiar position of best-on-ground on the weekend and he will look to carry his impressive 2018 form into the finals series.
Kuller was also among the best and Wilson gave praise to his efforts on Saturday.
“The young fella had a ripper day,” he said.
“Like the rest of our team, he is young and it’s a long year so we are up and down, but he certainly put in some good work.”
Zeitz was another standout on the day, while brother Sam also had a good game, finishing with two goals to show.
Tom Holmes also made it into the best, while Kynan Betts had a good game as he played a slightly different role to usual.
Wilson was pleased to get the win as his team builds momentum going into finals this week.
“Obviously it did not have any affect on the finals series, but Casteron just beat us twice and really flogged us last time, so it was great for us to get that one back,” he said.
With questions regarding whether players would be rested in preparation for this week’s semi final, West shattered any doubts as it fielded a full side and took the win.
“We are probably not in the position to really pick and choose,” Wilson said.
“We are a young team and we have been trying to build up a bit of momentum over the last month to try and get going ready for finals.
“The aim of Saturday was to go out and just put in.”
Wilson said the team made it through the game unscathed, but recovery will be a priority this week.
He was pleased with the efforts across the board and looks forward to this week’s do-or-die meeting with the Bulldogs.
With the premiership well and truly up for grabs this season, the Roos will be sure to give it a red hot crack.
“It will be tough, anyone can win it and everyone wants it,” Wilson said.
“I think every final is going to be a good one.”
