A disappointing day at Malseed Park as an understrength West Gambier senior line-up failed in their quest for their first win for the season against an opposition who similarly had not won in season 2012.
In the first taste of real football weather, it was a cold and cloudy with a stiff breeze blowing to the city end.Casterton won the toss and had first use of the breeze and made all the running early, getting the centre clearances and putting the ball in forward quickly. In short order West found themselves four goals adrift, with the opposition being first to the ball and the West boys being reactive. They were also tentative, as some puzzling decisions and penalties were experienced which left players and spectators wondering what was happening each time a whistle sounded. The players recovered somewhat later in the quarter to post a couple of goals late to be 22 points down.
The second quarter was where the damage was done as Casterton outscored the home side into the breeze. As with the previous quarter West were failing to clear the ball in stoppages and Casterton was dominating possession, and seemed to find space at will. The defensive unit was working hard to blunt attacks but skill errors clearing the ball and poor delivery into the forwards led to low utilisation of the wind advantage.
The third quarter was a polar opposite of the first two as the West boys came out with some positional changes and a more aggressive attitude to the ball and ball carrier. Riordan Walker was moved into the centre to give some grunt that was sorely missed in Josh Ransom's abscence and West began to get their hands on the ball. Another debutant, 17yo Dale Robbins showed a cool head with ball in hand and provided team-mates with opportunities from clearing handballs leading to goal scoring. West clambered back ground from their 7 goal deficit at half time back to 3 goals at the last break.
West went back into their shell again in the last quarter as the continuing baffling decisions seemed to rob the West players of confidence to attack the ball. The last term failed to provide any highlights and eventually the siren sounded to see West 24 points in arrears.
Tory Weaver was the standout player working hard along the clubrooms wing, kicking a goal and taking a screamer in front of the crowd, holding the ball all the way to the ground, only to have the "play on" call from the decision-maker. Daron McElroy saw more of the ball when moved in the ruck, Al Kennedy again used his pace to gather numerous possessions along the scoreboard wing. Riordon Walker battled manfully along with AK and Brett Sutherland was strong overhead in attack and defence.
On a brighter note the Reserves got to sing the club song after a 100+ point win. Niall Easterbrook won a heap of the ball but stuttered in front of the big sticks kicking 1.8, his brother Steven having better accuracy at 7.5. Brodie koop won a pile of kicks whilst Kayne Badman was good in the ruck.
The early played out similar to the senior game as West let their opposition out to an early lead and the gap couldn't be bridged. "Speedy" Waugh was judged best along with Dale Robbins, Craig Walker, Leigh Collins and Dougy Lloyd.
Last Modified on 13/05/2012 21:41