Picture: JAMES MURPHY
ROUND five of Western Border football saw the final results as most punters expected.
However, it did not come easy for the former ladder-leading West Gambier.
The Roos led North Gambier at the top of the table before the round, but after such a close result against Millicent, slipped down to second place due to percentage.
That game saw the Saints stand tall at McLaughlin Park, after many had written their season off.
It is probably fair to say the Roos did not see it coming.
The opening half favoured West, but the Saints methodically worked their way back into the contest.
They claimed the lead early in the final term off a Peter Duncan goal and threatened an upset result.
However, the Roos fought back and held on for an entertaining seven-point win.
Once again Lawry Bradley-Brown racked up the possessions and continued his run of impressive early-season form.
As for the Tigers, they returned to the winner’s list and the top of the table after going down the week before to West.
And it was in emphatic style, as they ran away with the game against Casterton Sandford by whopping 86 points.
Matt McInerney returned to the North lineup and it was like he had never left.
He banged on seven goals as the Tigers ran rampant.
Hamish Telford was also impressive again and he continues to rack up votes this season.
The final game saw East Gambier claim a comfortable win over South Gambier.
South put up a fight, but in the end the Bulldogs were simply too polished and moved the ball around the ground with finesse.
Jayden Eldridge was again impressive, as was Giancarlo Cooper, plus a host of other Bulldogs, including Matt Scanlon down back who did a top job keeping Brayden Kain quiet.
In the end this week’s Intersport Player of Year honours go to McInerney for his classy return to the competition.
MILLICENT v WEST GAMBIER (Thomas Miles)
3. Lawry Bradley-Brown (West Gambier): Produced another dominant display for his side and appeared a class above in the wet conditions with countless possessions to ensure the Roos scored a scrappy win.
2. Tom Zeitz (West Gambier): Played a vital role in the backline all day, particularity when the game was on the line. His intercept marks and spoils restricted Millicent’s scoring, a pivotal factor in West’s victory.
1. Mitchell Reilly (Millicent): Stood up when called upon and kicked a bag of five to keep his side in the contention all day.
NORTH GAMBIER v CASTERTON SANDFORD (James Murphy)
3. Matt McInerney (North Gambier): A deadly target in the forward line, taking solid marks and finishing off with an accurate boot to score seven goals.
2. Hamish Telford (North Gambier): Solid work around the ground and a key component in North’s classy ball movement. Scored two first-quarter goals to set up the Tigers’ big win early.
1. Nick McInerney (North Gambier): Never shied from a hard ball and put in a tireless effort, gaining possession and helping the Tigers remain in control for four quarters.
EAST GAMBIER v SOUTH GAMBIER (Trevor Jackson)
3. Jayden Eldridge (East Gambier): A strong first half of football, which carried over after the long break to create opportunities from the half back line through the midfield.
2. Giancarlo Cooper (East Gambier): Provided plenty of dash and chipped in with three goals.
1. Liam Denton (South Gambier): Cleared the ball from the backline on many occasions with pace.
