James Murphy
WEST GAMBIER 9.9 (63) d EAST GAMBIER 8.5 (53)
THE weekend’s highest-scoring match of senior Western Border football was held at Malseed Park between West and East Gambier.
The Roos were expected to make a statement on their home deck, following East’s lack of success in 2023.
However, the wet conditions and some injuries to the Roos levelled the playing field.
As such the Bulldogs led at every change, failing only to hold the lead when it counted most.
Out of the gates well, East put in a three-goal first quarter to lead by two straight kicks.
They replicated that opening term in the second, adding another 19 points to extend the margin.
West had the better of scoring opportunities, but returned 2.5 for the quarter to trail by 13 at half time.
Nick Lock and John Forster have been regular contributors for the Bulldogs and their leadership – among others – sets the precedent for the young team.
They performed again and were influential throughout the contest, helping to ensure the Roos remained at arm’s length in the third quarter.
However, the hosts started to reel in their opponent during this time and a three-goal term brought them within a single point after holding East to one goal.
With the game on the line the Roos showed why they hold a top-two position with another three-goal term enough to push their nose in front and seal the win.
Despite the result, the Roos did not come out of the round without some casualties.
West playing coach Daron McElroy was sent to hospital in the second quarter after a high hit, while Brandon Newton also endured a mid-game hospital trip.
“I only played a quarter and a half and then I ended up in hospital,” McElroy said.
“I got a head injury and I have stitches in my head.”
Reflecting on the start of the game, McElroy said his boys were caught napping.
“We were just slow and sluggish and got jumped out of the gate,” he said.
“Credit to East, they came to play.”
However, he was pleased with the turnaround from his team and in particular the leadership shown in his absence.
“Our leaders stepped up after half time,” McElroy said.
“Tom Holmes, (Michael) Minuzzo and Stoney (Andrew Stone) got everyone going.”
Holmes was put in the midfield in the second half under McElroy’s direction, describing him as “the only guy who wants the ball” in the opening two quarters.
His leadership came to the fore and he was named best on ground, joined by Brody Virgo, Jessie Pfitzner and Mitchell Cornolo.
Jordan Williams also made the best and he top scored for the Roos with two majors.
Cornolo also found the big sticks, as did Todd Lewis in his first game back at West.
“(Lewis) was a handy in,” McElroy said.
“Not ideal conditions for a six-foot-six bloke, but he got a cheeky goal and helped out in the ruck.”
Lock was best for the Bulldogs, while Forster and Laughlan Brooker also impressed, with the latter scoring a game-high three goals.
West will hope to keep its winning ways rolling against South Gambier next week, but will feel the strain of a hefty injury list.
Meanwhile East has a meeting with North Gambier which will provide another challenge for the winless Bulldogs.
