THE undoubted highlight of round 11 of Western Border football was the win by East Gambier over West Gambier.
The Roos have been the benchmark all season, with just one loss before Saturday’s game.
That first loss also came at the hands of the Bulldogs with a kick after the siren in the opening round.
The Roos had bounced back from that and comprehensively defeated East in round six.
It was probably expected they would again claim the points, but an inspired effort from the Bulldogs put theory to rest.
Shem Balshaw played probably his best game for East this season and capped off his performance with four major scores.
He was joined by a long list of Bulldogs who were clearly intent on claiming the win, with a strong start with a stiff breeze.
But even into the wind East controlled the contest and a flat West was unable to curb their influence.
Millicent also threw up a surprise, but were unable to hold on for the win.
Chasing their first victory of the season the Saints took the game up to the more-fancied North Gambier and came close, but in the end the Tigers prevailed.
Much of that came from a tough defensive effort from the likes of Brett Shepherdson and the usual strong running game from Nick McInerney, who kicked the Tigers’ only major in the final term to seal the win.
That was despite an impressive five-goal haul from Saints youngster Sam Willis.
Another tough battle at Blue Lake Sports Park saw South Gambier take the points over a tough Casterton Sandford outfit.
The return of Brett O’Neil would have buoyed the Demons, but it was Mason Hein and Jake Tentye who again stood tall to help the home side claim the points and fourth place on the ladder as a result.
The weekly award for the Intersport Player of the Year honours goes to Balshaw.
While East is hardly an underdog, there is certainly plenty for the Bulldogs to do if they are to secure a top-two position at the end of the minor rounds.
Saturday’s result certainly helped that and Balshaw was prominent in the victory.
East Gambier v West Gambier
3. Shem Balshaw (East Gambier): Was impressive at the attacking end of the ground. Found plenty of the Sherrin and banged on four goals to help the Bulldogs to a solid victory.
2. Matt Scanlon (East Gambier): Another versatile performance, whether in front of goals where he kicked three majors or further down the ground in a defensive role.
1. Jake McKeon (East Gambier): Found some valuable touches, especially in the final term where he linked up with Balshaw to put the game beyond doubt.
Millicent v North Gambier
3. Brett Shepherdson (North Gambier): Provided strong drive off half back to help the Tigers remain in front, particularly when kicking against a strong breeze.
2. Sam Willis (Millicent): Found plenty of the ball through the midfield, while pushing forward to kick a game-high five goals.
1. Nick McInerney (North Gambier): Played his usual tough brand of football, along with an impressive goal late in the game to seal the 10-point win.
South Gambier v Casterton Sandford
3. Mason Hein (South Gambier): Was a prominent force around the play, whether in the ruck contests or pushing forward.
2. Jake Tentye (South Gambier): Continued his impressive season with another strong game. Kicked two crucial goals to help the Demons get over the line.
1. Mark Cowland (Casterton Sandford): Proved a reliable member in the backline. Held his own against a determined South side amid strong winds.
