James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER 17.9 (111) d CASTERTON SANDFORD 7.16 (58)
IN the only fixture which impacted standings in Round 15 of Western Border football, North Gambier all but cemented its place in finals with a strong win over Casterton Sandford.
The Tigers hosted the Cats with both teams level on wins but after four quarters of football emerged 53-point victors in windy conditions.
Against the breeze in the first term, North still managed to lead at the change, as inaccuracy cost the Cats both in front of goal and to teammates.
As the advantage traded hands in the second quarter, the Tigers made the most of it and piled on six goals to Casterton Sandford’s one to hold a handy 36-point lead at the long break.
From there the match was won and they outscored the Victorians again in the third quarter, before capping off the match with four goals in the fourth.
The Cats struggled to find the big sticks and despite a lift in workrate in the final stanza, the damage had been done.
With plenty riding on the result, coach Ben Hardy was happy to win in such a way, particularly on what was a special day for North Gambier.
A reunion was held for the 2012 premiership, while club legend Matthew Chapman celebrated his 400th senior game for the Tigers in the Reserves.
“It was a big day for us,” Hardy said.
“I am glad the boys stood up and delivered.”
Hardy was pleased to see a rise in pressure levels from his team, which was something he felt had let them down in recent rounds.
Goals were shared around on the day, with Sam Stafford unsurprisingly at the head of the charge with four.
However, Nick McInerney turned it on in a big way and his trademark flare through the midfield was also translated onto the scoreboard as he booted three majors.
He ran the risk of leather poisoning on the day, with an estimated 50 touches.
“Someone was counting and they said he had about 50 touches,” Hardy said.
“The great thing Nick has been able to do this year is really stand up to his new leadership role, being the standalone captain.
“He has taken his game to a whole new level.”
Nick Brown, Justin McConnell and Nick Moretti – in his second game back since Round 2 – found the big sticks twice each in a well-rounded performance.
“We tried a couple of different offensive things on the weekend and to be able to come away with our highest score for the year was really pleasing to see,” Hardy said.
“The slight changes we made really came together well.
“That is something come finals time we will go with again and hopefully it will pay off.”
Mitchell Kelton was solid again for the Tigers, while Hardy gave a mention to the back six on the day, with Jordan Hollitt, Ciaran Buckley and Jake Schutz in particular standing out.
For the Cats, the absence of Ricky Killey due to injury hurt the forward line, while Matt Killey was given the best-on-ground honours for his defensive efforts.
Youngster Charlie Jarrad topped the scoresheet with two goals and was among the best, while Alastair and Hamish McCrae also featured highly.
The Cats’ season looks to be over now and unless something untoward occurs in this week’s final minor round, North will remain in fourth place.
