James Murphy
SOUTH GAMBIER 11.11 (77) d CASTERTON SANDFORD 8.12 (60)
THE Demons made the cross-border trip to play Casterton Sandford at Island Park o n Saturday and at the end of the day claimed a 17-point win.
It was a closer result than expected heading into the round, with South Gambier coming off a thrilling win over ladder-leader Millicent the week before.
However, the Cats came into the contest with their usual grit and determination, with their loss coming down to some wayward kicking in the final stanza.
There was a definite scoring end and the Demons had it in the first quarter.
They generated 11 scoring shots in the opening term and five of those found their mark to set up a strong buffer by the break.
The Cats mustered three minor scores during that time and heading into the second term trailed by 33 points.
The momentum traded hands in the second and Casterton Sandford finally found the middle of the big sticks.
The Cats put through four-goals-two for the quarter, bridging the gap somewhat as South scored one of each.
As such the half-time margin was 14 points.
The Demons took off again in the third term with a five-goal return, which in the end set up the victory.
The Cats added three goals of their own and heading into the last it was a 27-point game.
Despite the handy buffer, South was by no means in the clear yet and the Cats could well have stolen the lead if they had kicked truly.
The hosts had seven scoring shots for the quarter, but only converted a solitary goal, while the Demons managed just two behinds.
In the end it was a matter of what could have been for the Victorians, while South came away with a 17-point win thanks to some good defensive pressure when it counted.
Taylor Saffin was named best-on-ground for the Demons and he remains a general of the backline for the side.
Mason Hein also impressed with his ruck work and presence around the ground, while Oliver Thomson was recognised for his defensive work for the fourth week in a row.
Elliott Fisher was another standout and he led the goalkicking alongside Brayden Kain with three each, while Emerson Marks and Harry Wright rounded out the best players for South.
Callum Currie was the main scorer for the Cats and he slotted four majors on the day in another best-on-ground performance.
Hamish McCrae snagged two, while Ed Pritchard and Sam Craig had one each.
Pritchard earned a place at the pointy end of the Cats’ best, while Diarmid Cleary, Matthew Thurkle, Justin Carlin and Adam McKinnon were also prominent.
The going does not get any easier for the Cats this week when they face ladder-leader Millicent next round.
In the season opener the Saints prevailed by 73 points, which will be something the Cats look to improve on.
Meanwhile the Demons visit East Gambier in search of another win over the Bulldogs.
