IT was another interesting round of Western Border football on Saturday, despite the games pretty much running as expected.
Regardless of positions on the ladder, there always seems to be some good performances around the grounds.
One of those came from North Gambier’s Matt McInerney.
McInerney has been in and out of the Tigers team this year, due to personal commitments, but returned in style on Saturday.
With Justin McConnell and Tom McLennan both on the sidelines with injury, McInerney headed up forward and took control.
He led up high and managed to kick eight goals on a solid day for the Tigers against Casterton Sandford.
Down at Blue Lake Sports Park East Gambier recorded a comfortable win over South Gambier, despite the hosts showing plenty of resistance.
Nick Lock proved a real contender for the Bulldogs, consistently thwarting any Demons’ forward forays.
Unfortunately Demon Nick Jenkin appeared to suffer a serious concussion after a harsh tackle from Bulldogs coach Matt Willson.
The game was held up for a long period of time while Jenkin was attended to.
He eventually walked from the ground with the assistance of ambulance staff.
The outcome of an investigation by the league was not complete at the time of going to print, with South East football coordinator Michael Mourbey stating it was “still under investigation” when contacted yesterday morning.
At Malseed Park West Gambier did a job on the hapless Millicent.
The Saints are yet to record a victory in their premiership defence and Saturday was no different.
The Roos triumphed to the tune of 96 points, which could have been more but for a spirited Saints final term.
This time it was not the Lawry Bradley-Brown show, with Jordan Zeitz, Ben Papps and Michael Minuzzo gaining the votes from The Border Watch sports cadet Thomas Miles.
This week’s round honours for the Intersport Player of the Year goes to Zeitz.
While the Roos dominated the contest against Millicent, Miles said Zeitz’ input was pivotal in the strong showing.
South Gambier v East Gambier
3. Nick Lock (East Gambier): Lock was a rock at the defensive end of the ground for the Bulldogs. Consistently rebounded the ball from defence to attack to create forward options.
2. Jack Dawe (East Gambier): Dawe provided plenty of run through the middle of the ground and deep into the forward 50. finished with two goals for his efforts.
1. Jake Tentye (South Gambier): The Demons offered some kind of resistance to the Bulldogs’ attack and some of that came from Tentye, who showed plenty of intent and pace, with a tough approach to the contest.
Casterton Sandford v North Gambier
3. Matt McInerney (North Gambier): Returned to the Tigers lineup and duly banged on eight goals. In the absence of coach Justin McConnell on the ground, McInerney certainly provided a focal point up forward and led right up the ground.
2. Nick Blachut (North Gambier): Lifted to another level to play one of his best games of the season, with plenty of run-and-carry to provide scoring options. Managed one goal himself to cap off a good day.
1. Tim McInerney (North Gambier): Played a solid leadership role in the back six to help suppress the Cats forward 50 entries.
West Gambier v Millicent
3. Jordan Zeitz (West Gambier): Was pivotal in West’s domination through the midfield. Produced multiple fast breaks off the wing to create a constant flow of inside-50 entries. Pounced on loose ball and snapped a classy goal to support his efforts.
2. Ben Papps (West Gambier): Enjoyed a field day in front of goal and kicked a bag of six. Stamped himself as the main forward target with strong leads and found acres of space.
1. Michael Minuzzo (West Gambier): Continued his strong form in the middle of the ground and gained plenty of possession.
