Tigers pushed to limit as Saints strived for first win

Brett Shepherdson Crop Dsc 042220190601  TBW Newsgroup
ON THE BALL: North Gambier's Brett Shepherdson received the Tigers' best-on-ground honours in their 10-point win over Millicent on Saturday.

Brett Shepherdson Crop Dsc 042220190601 TBW Newsgroup
ON THE BALL: North Gambier’s Brett Shepherdson received the Tigers’ best-on-ground honours in their 10-point win over Millicent on Saturday.

NORTH GAMBIER 11.9 (75) d MILLICENT 9.11 (65)

IN a Western Border football round filled with surprise packages, the clash over at McLaughin Park between Millicent and North Gambier was no different.

The struggling Saints are still yet to record a win in 2019, but they certainly pushed the visiting Tigers to their limits on Saturday.

Just 10 points separated the sides at the final siren, making it the closest result of the round.

North led at every change, but could not put the game away and Millicent remained within striking distance throughout the match.

In fact, had it not been for an inaccurate final quarter, the Saints had the scoring opportunities to win the game, adding 2.4 to the scoreboard, while the Tigers scored 1.1 in the fourth term.

However, it was not to be and North held on for the win to now sit just 1pc under West Gambier on the premiership ladder.

The game started evenly and at the first change the Tigers held the lead, 28-21.

That was extended in the second term to carry a 13-point buffer into the long break, before another solid quarter stretched the margin to 19 points heading into the final stanza.

From there North held back a last-quarter effort from the Saints to seal the win.

Brett Shepherdson was named as best-on-ground for the victors, as he found another gear on Saturday.

With a long list of injuries in the North roster, Nick Moretti received the call up for the second time this season and top scored with three goals, along with a mention in the best.

The last time he pulled on the boots for the Tigers was also against Millicent, back in round six, where he booted an impressive five
majors.

He was joined by the in-form Michael Telford and Jake Stafford with two goals each, while Nick McInerney put in a trademark performance to be named second best, with a goal to show for his efforts.

Also among the best was Hamish Telford, who made his return from injury in style to help his team to a hardy win.

Mayson Ashby rounded out the best players for the Tigers.

For Millicent it was ruckman Jonah Grimes who received the best-on-ground honours as he continued his solid season, despite the Saints’ success rate.

In front of goals the spotlight was on another young Saint who has been forced to take on a more senior role after the reigning premiers suffered key player losses pre-season.

Sam Willis was at his best up forward and booted five majors to top score for the match and be named Millicent’s third best.

Youngster Harry Tunkin also kicked multiple goals with two to his name, while Peter Duncan and Hamish Smith chipped in with singles.

Rising talent Frazer Bradley was second best off the back of another impressive performance, with Dylan Tincknell also maintaining his consistency to receive a mention.

Joe Walker and Tunkin rounded out the Saints’ best in a performance the team will be eager to replicate as it chases that elusive win.

However, looking ahead to this weekend Millicent will face another tough task when it visits East Gambier at McDonald Park.

North will also face a challenge, as it makes the trip across town to face South Gambier, which is high off its win over Casterton Sandford on Saturday.