James Murphy
MILLICENT 10.11 (71) d WEST GAMBIER 2.6 (18)
WEST Gambier came crashing back to Earth on Saturday with a disappointing loss to the Limestone Coast football ladder leader.
The Roos trumped North Gambier to the tune of 64 points last round and would have entered their Round 12 clash with the Saints full of confidence.
However, that momentum was halted when visiting McLaughlin Park, with West held to just 18 points for the full four quarters.
The first quarter had few scoring shots, but Millicent was able to take a lead it would not give up with two goals and a behind.
Its 12-point lead was extended to 33 by half time, with the Saints adding three-goals-six in difficult conditions.
West mustered three behinds in the second term, with its first of two goals not coming until after the main break.
A single goal in the third was overshadowed by Millicent’s three majors and the game was all but won at the final change, as the Saints held a 45-point lead.
The trend continued in the last with two goals from the hosts and one from the Roos, pushing it out to the final 71-18 point scoreline.
Frazer Bradley was again at the forefront of the Saints’ scoring prowess, snagging four majors on the day.
However, it was Bill Shanks who topped the best players with another standout performance from the Saint.
Harry Tunkin upheld his season form in another strong outing, while Kade Bradley and Kalan Shanks stood tall defensively.
Finn Grimes excelled in the ruck and Hamish McRae rounded out the best players.
Harry Gibbs was another two kick multiple goals, with two majors to his name.
For the Roos it was Lawry Bradley-Brown who stepped up again, with his form a highlight at West regardless of its results.
Aden Pfitzner also featured highly, while Zac Hopgood and Brody Virgo were other players of note.
James Aldridge and Bradley-Brown kicked a goal each in a performance the Roos will want to improve on next round when facing South Gambier.
The Saints are at home again this week and welcome the winless Bulldogs for Round 13.
