James Murphy
THERE was no denying the match of the Western Border football round was played at Vansittart Park on Saturday.
West Gambier travelled across town to play its North Gambier hosts for Round 2 and what unfolded was the closest game of the year so far across all grades.
The Roos entered the clash as the underdogs after a Round 1 loss to Casterton Sandford, while the Tigers carried the confidence of a win over East.
However, as the game unfolded the lead changed hands at every change and at the final siren it was the visitors who emerged triumphant by a slim three points.
After the first quarter a close finish did not look likely.
North wasted no time in the opening term to open a handy lead with three goals and three behinds.
The Roos managed just one minor score and trailed by 20 at the break, with the match looking to go the way of pre-game predictions.
However, a big turnaround in the second quarter saw West return 6.3 for the quarter and leapfrog the Tigers to be up by five points at half time.
The premiership quarter was an even contest with both defences standing tall.
North’s backline in particular was well polished, holding the Roos to one goal for the term.
That came from Nathan Taylor, who put the finishing touches on Jordan Williams’ shot at goal, to give the Roos a 10-point buffer after the main break.
The Tigers were quick to respond as they won the next clearance and converted, before another swift major put the home team in front.
West coach Daron McElroy had a chance to put his side back in the lead before three-quarter time, but could only manage a behind.
As such the hosts led by a single point at the final change.
With intensity levels high and bragging rights on the line, both teams hit the ground running in the final stanza.
There was four goals scored at either end of the oval but the addition of four behinds from the Roos edged them in front for a 76-73 point win.
Goals were shared around for both teams, with Justin McConnell and McElroy leading the way for North and West respectively with three each.
Young Roo Mitchell Cornolo bagged two majors, as did Tre Davis and Taylor.
It was another young talent who earned the best-on-ground honours for the victors, with Tom Nieuwerkerk having a good day out.
Davis was also recognised for his efforts, while Kyle Giddings put in another consistent performance.
For the Tigers Nicholas Moretti, Jake Schutz and Sam Stafford all replicated their Round 1 efforts to snatch two goals each.
However, it was the work from Hamish Telford which stood out as he proved a vital link in driving the ball forward and creating turnovers through the midfield.
Sam Egan was also impressive and provided fast legs coming out of the backline, while McConnell and Stafford also earned a nod for their games.
The win provides some confidence for West, as the league now enters a bye for the Easter long weekend.
With player availability proving an issue for all teams in the early stages of the season, North will hope for a fuller roster when it takes on South Gambier next round in the annual Anzac Day clash.
