James Murphy
SOUTH Gambier remains undefeated after four rounds of Western Border football.
The Demons made the cross-border trip to face Casterton Sandford on Saturday and with a solid first half, set themselves up for an eventual 52-point win.
The match started as an arm wrestle with a goal to each side in the opening 10 minutes.
However, when Brodie Foster banged through South’s second goal just shy of the 11-minute mark, he started a cascade effect.
Dane Handreck then converted, before Foster added another to his ledger as he found his straps on the way to a five-goal haul.
When Jake Tentye goaled at the 20-minute mark the Cats looked to be in trouble.
A late goal from the home team lessened the margin but the Demons still led by 27 points at quarter time.
“We knew we had to get off to a good start, so it was pleasing to be able to come out after a short break to get a really good start and get the jump on them,” South coach Brayden Kain said.
“It was good to hit the scoreboard early in that first quarter and really put them under pressure and on the back foot.”
The trend continued in the second term and South added four majors before the main break.
During that time the Cats were unable to find the big sticks, with just three minor scores for the quarter.
With a healthy 51-point lead at half time, rain in the third put a dampener on the scoreboard.
A pair of goals at both ends of the ground left South comfortable heading into the final stanza, where another even term ensued and the guests returned home with the victory.
After a short turnaround following the Anzac Day game last round, both Brett O’Neil and Hamish Stevens pulled up sore and were unavailable for the clash.
As such Emerson Marks and Jackson Meyer were called up from Reserves and did not fail to impress.
They both found plenty of the ball, while Marks earned a mention in the best for his efforts.
The Cats also had a few outs and their backline felt the toll with Kain and Foster combining for nine goals.
“The back six and the midfield group work so hard to get the footy to us, so it is rewarding to be able to finish off the hard work the rest of the team is doing,” Kain said.
Kain was happy to come away with the convincing win, particularly after a shorter recovery.
“Just ticking another box and keeping that momentum is certainly a good thing after a short break from Anzac Day,” he said.
Brock Keding was a highlight for the Demons once again and continued his impressive start to the season with the best-on-ground honours.
It was his second time earning the title this season, while he has been among the best players in every hitout so far.
Colby Munro also continued his consistent run, while Tentye, Foster and Handreck earned a mention as well.
South’s backline stood tall all day but young Cat Adam McKinnon was able to find a few opportunities and bagged a team-high three goals.
However, it was Jack Thompson who stood out for the Cats, with a best-on-ground performance.
Diarmid Cleary was also solid, while Ed Pritchard and Cody Ireland played their parts well.
After a solid start to their season, the Cats will be eager to bounce back against North Gambier this week, while South hosts West in what should award the Demons another four premiership points.
