James Murphy
Millicent 9.16 (70) d North Gambier 5.7 (37)
In another wet and wild day for sport, Millicent claimed a 33-point win over North Gambier at Vansittart Park.
The Round 9 clash was expected to be the closest fixture and scores remained tight in the first half.
North led at the first change before the Saints pushed out to a seven-point lead at half time.
Despite some inaccuracies in the second term – which resulted in eight behinds and just one major for the term – Millicent coach Clint Gallio was pleased with the opportunities being created.
“We were really happy with the options we were taking,” he said.
“We were having some good shots, but just couldn’t quite convert them.
“We had plenty of the footy which was nice too – we really could have put the game away.”
Millicent regrouped at the long break and thanks to a raise in pressure posted a four-goal third quarter to push out to a 24-point advantage at the final change.
The Saints finished up with three goals in the fourth to North’s two, wrapping up a strong four quarters from the reigning premiers.
Gallio was pleased with the game and the intensity shown from his team throughout.
The Bradley brothers were both in fine form on the day with Frazer earning the best-on-ground honours for his efforts down the wing.
Kade Bradley was also impressive at the defensive end and was named second best for the side.
“They have matured a lot as people and with their footy,” Gallio said.
“They have been putting the effort in on the track and they are getting the rewards for it.”
The consistency continued for Kade Varcoe and he returned to the best players this week, performing well in a shut-down role on North midfield star Nick McInerney.
At the scoring end Dylan Bromley was prominent in front of goals again with three majors and a mention in the best.
Youngster Kobe Gibson also found opportunities inside 50 and bagged two goals, as did Hamish Nitschke in a solid second game back from ACL recovery.
Sam Waring and Thomas Renzi rounded out the best players but Gallio said there could easily have been 10-12 mentioned on the day in a strong team performance.
For the home team it was Brett Shepherdson who stood out, with his efforts off half back earning him the best-on-ground mantle.
Nick McInerney put in the hard yards through the middle against the resistance of Varcoe, while Jordan Hollitt and Jake Schutz were recognised again for their work down back.
Justin McConnell had the best return for the day with a pair of goals, while Stafford, Dale Bachman and youngster Brodie Allen all found the middle of the posts once each.
The result had no effect on ladder positions but has widened the gap between the two sides.
The Saint now sit four wins clear of the third-placed Tigers with only percentage separating them from ladder leader South Gambier.
“It is a close comp, but it is nice to have that barrier between second and third ladder wise,” Gallio said.
The league now enters a bye for the June long weekend, with the Limestone Coast Regional Carnival set down for this Saturday.
