James Murphy
CASTERTON SANDFORD v NORTH GAMBIER
NORTH Gambier will look to bounce back when it visits Island Park this Saturday for a Round 13 meeting with the Cats.
The Tigers fell to South Gambier last week following a triumphant performance against West Gambier.
They will out to get back on the winner’s list this round in what could be an intriguing contest.
Last time the sides met North hit back in the second half to win by an eventual 22 points.
The Cats will want to replicate their strong start, which is something certainly achievable on their home deck.
Last round’s win over East Gambier was the opposite story, with the Cats slow to start in trying conditions.
However, they came good when it counted and stormed home for a 22-point win.
It makes for an interesting clash between the two sides this week.
Not only will bragging rights be on the line, but with North sitting two wins clear of the Cats in fourth position, it could be an influential result to the final standings.
It looks unlikely Casterton Sandford will claw its way into contention this season, but North will want to silence any chance of an upset with a win this round.
That would provide a three-win buffer with three rounds to play, making it near impossible for the Cats to slip into the four.
Sam Stafford was a notable out in last week’s clash and the star Tiger’s return to the forward line would make all the difference.
However, the likes of Dale Bachmann, Toby de Wit and Justin McConnell are all capable in front of the big sticks, while the North defence has long been a solid unit.
The Cats have also been a strong defensive side this season, with playing coach Jarrod O’Brien and Dylan Ayton leading the backline well.
Ayton enters the match off a best-on-ground performance, while the likes of Callum Currie, Diarmid Cleary and Hamish McCrae are others to watch.
North will enter as the favourite, but will need to take control early to prevent an upset.
