James Murphy
UNDER 14 – SOUTH GAMBIER 7.3 (45) d EAST GAMBIER 4.4 (28)
SOUTH Gambier claimed its first of three Western Border football premierships in the opening game of grand final day with the Under 14 victory over East Gambier.
The young Demons faced a determined East Gambier side, as the Bulldogs’ only football representation on grand final day.
However, despite the closeness of the first three quarters, South proved why it finished top of the ladder with a strong finish in the fourth to secure a 17-point victory and the 2022 title.
At the first change the Demons led by five points, before the Bulldogs pushed back in the second with two goals to South’s one and enter half time up by two points.
However, the lead swapped hands again in the third term, before the premiers-to-be sealed the deal with a three-goal final stanza.
William Attiwill received the best-on-ground medal after a gallant captain’s game, which included two goals.
Jobe Harten matched that feat in front of goal, while Harrison Ellis, Scott McBain and Mason Ropitini bagged a major each.
Lachlan Cameron and Jordan Bartlett also put in impressive efforts, as did Hudson Croser and Brody Fox.
East also relied on its captains, as Jarvi Mee scored a game-high three goals in a best-on-ground performance for the Bulldogs, while fellow captain Jaiden Picken also found the big sticks with one.
Brodie Versteegh and Cruz McCracken were other solid contributors for the runners-up.
