ROUND one of Western Border football certainly did not disappoint.
Three games provided interesting results, two with less than a kick in them.
Several players staked an early claim on the Intersport player of the year ladder, with some top performances noticed by The Border Watch sports writers at the games.
A late push by South Gambier saw a two-point victory over Casterton Sandford in a result few would have expected.
Last year’s wooden spooners took on the 2018 minor premiers and prevailed.
The Border Watch sports cadet James Murphy was at the ground and was impressed with several young Demons, along other more established players, such as Jake Tentye.
He said Tentye did not shy away from the tough contest and was instrumental in the final result.
Up at Millicent the game panned out a little differently.
New sports cadet at The Border Watch Thomas Miles headed off for his first game of Western Border football, although he is well known in the league for umpiring.
Miles was pleased with the tight first half, but could not believe the turnaround after half time.
The Tigers cut loose, with coach Justin McConnell leading on the ground as he banged home eight goals.
North ran out 64-point victors in a blowout against the reigning premiers.
Meanwhile, over at Malseed Park I was expecting a tight contest, but was not prepared for what unfolded.
The game see-sawed from the opening term and the final result was not known until after the siren, when new Bulldog recruit Shaun King calmly slotted a goal home to claim the win by five points.
While there were many influential roles played across all three games, round one’s weekly award goes to Tentye.
Murphy said his strength set him apart in the game, able to fend off players at will and run through the mid-field to help the Demons to a stunning victory.
SOUTH GAMBIER v CASTERTON SANDFORD
(James Murphy)
3. Jake Tentye (South Gambier): Massive presence through the midfield and did not shy from the hard ball or contested mark to help the Demons on their way to victory.
2. Todd Reid (South Gambier): Influential in South’s turn around late in the game and kicked two timely goals early in the fourth term.
1. Kyle Jones (South Gambier): A talented youngster who showed impressive run and plenty of class.
MILLICENTÂ v NORTH GAMBIER
(Thomas Miles)
3. Justin McConnell (North Gambier): Led by example on his return, dominated in front of goals to kick a bag of eight majors, with five alone in the game-changing third quarter.
2. Tom McLennan (North Gambier): Impressive four-quarter display and a vital contributor to the Tigers’ fast ball movement through the midfield.
1. Nick McInerney (North Gambier): Went in hard all day and won plenty of the ball in the second half. .
WEST GAMBIER v EAST GAMBIER
(Trevor Jackson)
3. Nick Lock (East Gambier): Strong influence in the Bulldogs’ backline, thwarting many West forward forays.
2. Matt Willson (East Gambier): The Bulldogs’ coach certainly had an impact on the contest, finding plenty of outside ball to clear the danger zone and push forward.
1. Robbie Brewster (East Gambier): A new Bulldog who certainly made his mark, with three major scores which helped secure the
victory.
