James Murphy
Casterton Sandford 13.8 (86) d East Gambier 10.15 (75)
CASTERTON Sandford has kept its Western Border football season alive after a thrilling contest unfolded at McDonald Park on Saturday.
The Cats claimed the honours with an 11-point victory over East Gambier, but it did not come easily.
After three intense quarters the score was locked at 61 points each heading into the final stanza.
The Bulldogs had the early advantage in the fourth quarter with a handy behind and two goals to give it a buffer.
However, the Cats refused to bow down and Billy Galpin took things into his own hands.
He kicked two consecutive goals – his second and third of the day – to drag the Cats back into the contest and bring them within a point.
Intensity levels rose from there and both teams had their chances, but it was again the Cats who capitalised.
A good play from Galpin saw him target Alastair McCrae in the goal square, who won the contest against Matt Ferguson to convert from a mark right in front.
When a holding the ball call awarded the Victorians a free kick from the arc, Galpin put through his fourth and final goal of the day and the game was all but won.
With 20 minutes on the clock and an 11-point lead, the Cats appeared home and when Hamish McCrae scored a behind five minutes minutes later the siren sounded before the ball could be reclaimed.
The win keeps the Cats’ finals dream alive and they now sit level on wins with North Gambier, who dropped to fourth place after a loss to South.
Casterton Sandford coach Kane Forbes gave credit to the Bulldogs and said the quality of their game is not reflected by their position on the ladder.
Momentum swung back and forth throughout the contest, but luckily for Forbes the Cats held control at the pointy end.
“It was even at quarter time, then we had all the ball in the second quarter and weren’t able to put it on the scoreboard,” Forbes said.
“Then they had all the footy in the third and luckily for us they kicked three goals 10 which kept us in the game.
“It was a great game to watch, but it definitely tested my heart though.”
Galpin was deservedly among the Cats best, while it was Diarmid Cleary – who led the midfield by example for the full four quarters – who earned him the best-on-ground title.
“We knew at the start of the day that the contest was going to be won or lost across the middle of the ground,” Forbes said.
Matt Killey was also solid as he played defensive roles on Matt Scanlon and Mark Rumbelow throughout the match.
He was joined by Dylan Ayton, Adam McKinnon and Jack Thompson among the top performers.
McKinnon finished his day with three goals, in a performance which caught the eye of his coach.
“I thought (he) had a really good offensive game,” Forbes said.
“He has speed to burn and is one of the most talented juniors I have seen.
“This week he was in the midfield rotation – he had been playing a bit on the wing and a bit forward – and I thought he was fantastic for us.”
Alastair McCrae also had a field day with four goals for the day, equalling Galpin’s tally.
For East it was another case of what could have been.
While the win would have done little to resurrect their season, the Bulldogs would be disappointed to have let the Cats back in.
Shaun Lock was a highlight and his pace through the middle and down the wing set up plenty of East’s opportunities.
The work rate from co-coach Jayden Eldridge was also impressive once again, while Carl Slape managed to get on top in a strong ruck performance against Hamish McCrae.
“I think every time we have played East it has been quite a good game,” Forbes said.
“Luckily we have been on the right end of the deal every time.
“I do feel sorry for East, they have played some really good footy against us.
“I don’t think they are as far off from the rest of the pack as the results may show.”
