James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER v CASTERTON SANDFORD
THERE is one game which carries more weight in Round 15 of Western Border football, as North Gambier hosts Casterton Sandford.
Just two minor rounds remain and at this point only fourth place remains up for grabs in the scramble towards finals.
Both teams are level on five wins and currently the Tigers hold fourth on percentage, but tomorrow’s result will determine who enters the final round a win clear of their opponent.
Losses to the top two sides left both teams wanting last round and they will be keen to bounce back in the race towards finals.
North stumbled against Millicent last week and a six-goal haul from star forward Sam Stafford was not enough to claim the points.
Stafford will be a focal point again and may attract Casterton Sandford’s Matt Killey as the Cats attempt to limit his influence.
The Tigers are just as strong down back, with Ciaran Buckley, Jake Schutz and Brett Shepherdson – to name a few – all in dangerous form.
Last time the sides met the Cats claimed an upset at Island Park, with Billy Galpin, Diarmid Cleary and Adam McKinnon the standouts.
The trio have maintained that form and will be ones to watch again, along with the likes of ruckman Hamish McCrae and Tom Foster, who returned to the side with a best-on-ground performance last week.
On their day either team could win, but the Tigers should push over the line on their home deck and put themselves in the box seat for finals football.
