By Trevor Jackson
South Gambier 11.12 (78) d West Gambier 7.8 (50)
SOUTH Gambier remains at the top of the Bendigo Bank Western Border Football League ladder after its second win for the season on Saturday.
The Round 2 clash against West Gambier yielded a 28-point victory, much of that on the back of a six-goal haul from Brodie Foster.
Foster did not kick a goal in the opening round, but this week was front and centre up forward and made his presence felt.
The opening round saw goals shared by Kym Eagleson, coach Brayden Kain and Dane Handreck.
Eagleson again hit the scoreboard this week, with two goals to his name, while Colby Munro also contributed two major scores in a side which is proving hard to defend with so much forward firepower.
Much of the movement through the middle of the ground came through the hands of Brett O’Neill, who was again inspirational for the Demons and named their best.
For the Roos, Todd Lewis and Garret Ha kicked two majors each.
The big test for the Demons will come this weekend when they host North Gambier for the annual ANZAC Day clash at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The Tigers suffered a loss to East Gambier on the weekend and will look to atone on the sacred day.
East Gambier 11.7 (73) d North Gambier 9.10 (64)
East Gambier sent a message to the league on Saturday it cannot be dismissed lightly this season, with a nine-point victory over North Gambier.
The Bulldogs were out of the blocks fast, with six first-quarter goals before the Tigers knew what hit them.
Scoring somewhat dried up from there, but three in the final stanza ensured East took the victory.
Todd Lockwood top scored for the victors with three goals, while Shem Balshaw, Beau Nunan and Mark Rumbelow all kicked two.
Balshaw was also at his best around the ground, named best for the Bulldogs.
For the Tigers Sam Stafford and coach Justin McConnell were again at the forefront, but nowhere near as damaging as last week where they kicked 13 goals between them.
This time Stafford booted four and McConnell two.
The Tigers will need to dig deep this week when they face South Gambier in the ANZAC Day clash at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The Demons have shown plenty of dash and the ability to finish off up forward through many avenues.
Millicent 15.8 (98) d Casterton Sandford 10.9 (69)
In the final game Millicent chalked up a strong 29-point win over Casterton Sandford over at Island Park.
It was a huge effort from Saints recruit Gene Robinson who was on fire in front of goals, finishing the day with nine majors.
All other scores were singles, but the Millicent defence kept the Cats’ options limited.
Adam McKinnon kicked three for the home side, while Ricky Killey and Jackson Gibbs kicked two each.
Millicent travels to Malseed Park this week to face West Gambier, with the Roos needing a win after a win-less opening two rounds.
The Saints will need to be switched on if they are to record their second win of the season, but West should get the job done at home.
Likewise the Cats face a tough test against East Gambier.
The Bulldogs look to be travelling well, despite being pushed in the opening round by the Roos.
At McDonald Park East should take the win by a fair margin.
