By Trevor Jackson
AFTER sport was called to a halt in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 was expected to bring some relief.
While much of the sporting fixtures have been able to go ahead in some form, there has been no shortage of disruptions for the various leagues to deal with.
None are more reflective of the situation than the Western Border and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara leagues.
Both have been forced to play catch-up after the Victorian players involved were locked out of South Australia.
The WBFL has done all it can to keep the season afloat, but the Round 9 catch-up on the weekend again had a spanner thrown in the works.
Casterton Sandford was forced to forfeit its clash with West Gambier due to the Victorian lockdown.
However, the recent lifting of restrictions from the regional areas of Victoria may throw a lifeline and allow the remainder of games to be played prior to finals.
This week East Gambier is set to travel to Island Park to face the Cats, which was still up in the air at the time of going to print.
Both clubs have been working to obtain cross-border passes and allow the game to go ahead.
As it sits the premiership ladder reflects the competition this season, with South a dominant force at the top of the table (11 wins from 12 games), followed by a resurgent Millicent, East Gambier and North Gambier – all on seven wins – while West sits out of the top four with just three victories and the Cats are yet to win a game on the bottom rung.
Despite the dominant performance by South this season, the surprise packet has been Millicent.
The Saints have claimed wins against all clubs in the competition, including a recent thrashing of the Demons.
Of course with a player up forward capable of kicking 100 goals in a regular home-and-away season – Gene Robinson – Millicent’s ability to score has been on display.
But the ball still needs to be delivered and coach Clint Gallio certainly has the players up and about.
Last time a season was played – back in 2019 – the Saints finished bottom with no wins.
Could another premiership flag be on the horizon and can Robinson notch up his 100-goal milestone?
The Saints travel to Malseed Park this weekend to face the Roos and would certainly start as favourites to take the points.
In the remaining game South hosts North at Blue Lake Sports Park in what should be an entertaining clash.
The Demons have been the benchmark in 2021 and the Tigers would want to regain the upper hand as the season winds down.
