James Murphy
NORTH GAMBIER 12.11 (83) d CASTERTON SANDFORD 8.7 (55)
IT was a matter of lightning striking twice on Saturday when North Gambier defeated Casterton Sandford at Island Park.
After a rampant first half from the home team, the Tigers surged in the “premiership” quarter to make a second-half comeback.
It was almost a mirror image of the Round 8 clash, where North was also on the back foot at the main break before turning the game on its head in the last two quarters.
This time around it was a higher scoring affair, with plenty of goal action from the outset.
The Cats had the better of opportunities, converting three of seven scoring shots to lead by nine points at the change.
They dialled in the accuracy in the second term, kicking five goals without a miss to North’s two-goals-four.
That gave Casterton Sandford a 23-point advantage heading into the long break, before the Tigers started to claw back the margin.
They slotted three goals and a behind in a strong quarter of football, while restricting the Cats to just two minor scores.
That narrowed the gap to six points at the final change, with the game hanging in the balance.
However, a huge quarter from North followed and there was nothing the Cats could do to nullify the onslaught.
A match-high five-goal-five return boosted the Tigers into the lead and they ran it out with confidence to claim a 28-point victory.
Not only did North ramp up its attack, but the defensive output was also impressive.
It held the Cats to a solitary behind during the fourth quarter, stamping out any chance of them seizing back control.
For the second consecutive week North young-gun Aaron Dally impressed.
He claimed the best-on-ground honours again as the rising star continues to build on a breakout season.
Dally slotted two goals to complement his efforts, while it was a more experienced campaigner who topped the scoresheets.
Justin McConnell bagged four goals for the day in a strong forward performance, while Sam Stafford also kicked multiples with two majors.
Declan Kenny was another player to watch, named second best for the match, while Cameron Ortlepp, Josh Jenner and Brock Egan also continued impressive seasons.
Youngster Jonty Collins rounded out the list in an important victory.
The Tigers now sit on seven wins in third position, above West Gambier by percentage alone.
However, having dealt the Cats a loss on Saturday, the only way the Victorians can possible make finals is if they win their next three games by percentage-boosting margins.
That would also rely on either West or North losing their next three games, which is an unlikely scenario at best.
The Cats looked to Diarmid Cleary again on the weekend, with his on-ball dominance a standout.
Hamish McCrae also backed himself to uphold his hot form, as did Callum Currie and Dylan Ayton.
Daniel Richardson also made the list along with kicking two goals, while Jackson Gibbs wrapped up the best players and Harold Pritchard also snagged two majors.
