James Murphy
South Gambier 13.5 (83) d Casterton Sandford 2.7 (19)
THE Demons proved too strong for a visiting Casterton Sandford outfit in Saturday’s muddy conditions at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The Cats dodged the rain last round at Island Park but were not so fortunate this week.
They have now dropped out of the top four and sit behind West Gambier on percentage, while the Demons remain on top of the table.
South put the pressure on from the first bounce and set up a four-goal lead by quarter time.
That pleased coach Brayden Kain, who had put an emphasise on a strong start after the Cats’ entered the clash off a couple of solid outings.
In the end it would have been enough to secure the points, with the Victorians only finding the big sticks twice for the day.
Both goals came in the second term where the Cats were able to wrestle back some momentum for a couple of quick conversions from Billy Galpin and Adam McKinnon.
With a 22-point lead at half time, the Demons then held the Cats goalless for the remainder of the match.
“For our back six to then hold them goalless for the rest of the game was a pleasing sight,” Kain said.
“It was pleasing to be able to lock them down after that second quarter but then still have enough forward pressure to put scores on the board.”
It was no surprise to see South’s young brigade out in full force once again.
The conditions suited them well and all six best players were aged 22 or under.
“We have had a couple of senior guys injured and coming back in from injury,” Kain said.
“For these young guys to step up and help out and play their role has been super for the confidence of this group and the momentum moving forward.
“When it is freezing cold and raining, all you want is a bit of enthusiasm out there and the young boys certainly brought that.”
Emerson Marks was a highlight and his on-ball efforts had him named best-on-ground.
He worked hard around stoppages and excelled when the ball was on the ground.
“He is super clean and when he gets the ball his skill efficiency is through the roof,” Kain said.
“In the conditions where you just had to get your hands on the ball and get it forward, he was astronomical.”
In just his third A Grade game, Mitchell Harrold retained his faultless record, with his third appearance in South’s best players.
The 17-year-old’s speed is unmatched down the wing and he has composure beyond his years.
“A lot of guys when they have a lot of pace they get the ball, run like buck and then they end up butchering the kick at the end,” Kain said.
“To have that much speed but also the composure to rein it back in and execute – it is a class act and a pleasure to watch.”
Across the half-back line Todd Reid played a superb game, wile Mitchell Sims, Mason Hein and Kaleb Bowd were also sold in a day dominated by youth.
Goals were shared around with Kain and Colby Munro bagging three each, while Nelson Forbes kicked two – bringing his A Grade tally to seven from three games – and Brody Virgo also snagged a pair.
“A couple of those guys played on-ball roles as well – so when you have midfielders who can impact the scoring as well, it makes it a bit of a nightmare to match up on everyone,” Kain said.
Casterton Sandford looked to the experience of Diarmid Cleary on the day and he was named the team’s best.
Justin Carlin had a solid day in the wet, as did Ethan Currie, while Dylan Ayton, McKinnon and Nick Schembri also received a mention.
With a bye for the long weekend this week, the Cats will go back to the drawing board as they continue their fight for finals contention, while South looks forward to a strong finish to the season.
