James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER 15.13 (103) d EAST GAMBIER 11.8 (74)
IT took North Gambier until the final quarter to shake off a persistent East Gambier in Saturday’s fourth round of Western Border football.
The Tigers visited the “Kennel” for the clash, which had the home team off to its best start of the season.
The Bulldogs put in a four-goal effort to kick things off and at the first change held a 10-point advantage.
That seemed to catch the guests off guard, but the more experienced Tigers would not crumble so easily.
They lifted the bar in the second quarter and generated nine scoring shots to East’s two, converting four majors to claw their way in front.
At the main break North led by seven points, but the Bulldogs were nipping at their heels.
That did not stop in the third term and every time North found a way to extend the margin, the host found a way to reel it back in.
Strong tackling and an intense midfield battle provided plenty of entertainment during that third term and East carried dangerous momentum into the final stanza.
With just a four-point deficit at the last break, the hosts remained well in the hunt for their elusive first win.
However, the Tigers settled at the change and hit the ground running to quell any chance of a comeback.
They piled on six goals for the term to East’s two and at the final siren emerged 29-point victors.
Sam Stafford was pivotal on the day and his efforts earned him the best-on-ground honours.
He bagged six goals for the match, complemented by a five-goal haul from Toby de Wit.
For East it was again Reece Lillecrapp who shined brightest.
He was named best on ground for the third consecutive week and he will hope to continue this purple patch of form against the Demons this week.
Sam Zeitz was another standout for North and his defensive efforts helped stay the ship, while Mackye Baron, Cameron Ortlepp and Toby de Wit were also solid.
Nick Lock remained consistent as ever for the Bulldogs and earned a mention, as did ruckman Carl Slape and captain Mark Rumbelow, while James Byrne also played a strong game.
