Cats hunt down Hawks to snag early scalp in HDFL

The Hawks had opportunities to grab the game by the neck as LBU began to falter in the second period, adding just nine points to its first quarter total in that time.

While Huntly outscored the Cats in the lead up to half-time they only managed 2.4, bringing the game to level pegging at 31 apiece at the major break.

LBU found it’s first quarter form and then some in the second half, returning to form in front of goal, snagging 4.2 in the third and fourth quarter, respectively.

The Hawks also improved on its first half play, adding 3.4 in its last two quarters, which ultimately wasn’t enough to stop a Cat's side with its claws out.

With just over a goal separating the two sides, the match was a good barometer for understanding each team’s standing in the HDFL.

The final score was LBU 12.11 (83) to Huntly 10.15 (75).

Both Thomas Leech and Jack Reiter kicked a pair of goals each to lead the side, with Leech finding himself named among the Cats’ best along with Tyler Phillips, Jack O’Callaghan, Luke Saligari, Matt Hore and Lachlan Holthuisen.

LBU got it done by committee, with 10 individual goal-kickers contributing on the attack, meanwhile Huntly’s Sam Dunstan and Abe Sladden did the heavy lifting for the visitors.

With the side’s first test passed, it will look to maintain rhythm against another one of its contemporaries in the league, Mount Pleasnt who are also coming off a win in round two.