Inaccuracy in front of goal has resulted in Tungamah losing just its second match of the season as the Bears clash with Katamatite lived up to the hype during round 14 of the Picola and District Football League.
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Despite Nick Lawless kicking five goals for the visitors, it was the 1.9 they kicked after half-time, 1.6 of which was kicked in the final term, that the Bears will stew over during the week.
After an even first term, the Bears broke the game open in the second quarter and led by 21 points at the main break.
But five unanswered goals to the Tigers in the premiership quarter meant the home side led by six points at the final change before holding on for a 11.4 (70) to 9.15 (69) victory.
Christopher McKay kicked three goals for the victors, while Aram Aldridge kicked two.
Patrick Horsburgh, playing just his fourth match of the season, was named the Tigers’ best.
For the Bears, Jeremy O'Brien backed up the efforts of Lawless by booting two goals of his own.
Katamatite coach Jedd Wright said it was an important win heading into the bye next week.
“It was good to bounce back and get the win that keeps us in touch with the top four,” Wright said.
“We knew we probably got lucky.
“We managed to kick straight when it counted and we will take the win and move on to our next game.”
Wright praised the work of Chris McKay, Pat Riordan and Pat Horsburgh, who stood up in the absence of forwards Sam Wright, Joel Tippett and Brodie McDonald, who went down early with a head knock.
While the Tigers have had a horrible run with injuries this season, Wright said there was light at the end of the tunnel.
“We're hoping to get five or six back after the bye and another four or five the week after that, so we are looking to be full strength heading into finals.”
Mathoura held on to its top-eight spot with a four-point win over Rennie.
The Timbercutters, led by Josh Flight (three goals) and Samuel McHale (two) defeated the Grasshoppers 9.11 (65) to 9.7 (61).
Chase Strawhorn, who has 20 goals in his past three games, including six during Saturday's clash, now has 58 for the season for Rennie, which has only won one of their 12 clashes.
Mathoura sits in eighth spot and is the only team on seven wins.
Jeriderie kept Blighty goalless and winless as the Demons won by 150 points.
Mitch Conlan starred up forward with five goals for the home side and was supported by Sam Sleigh, Bohdi Beasley, Blair Henery and Greg Lawton, who all kicked three majors in the 23.13 (151) to 0.1 (1) triumph.
Jack Bunnett, Aaron Litchfield and Andrew Simpson were Blighty's better players.
Katunga put on a second-half masterclass to run away with a 20.14 (134) to 10.5 (65) victory against Deniliquin.
The Swans kicked 13.10 to 4.2 after the main break, with the lead at that point just seven points.
Swan Bailey Smith took his season tally to 18 goals, with a bag of six, while three goals to Fergus Lappin (25 for the year) and Anthony Tautala (21) helped Katunga to its eighth victory.
James Kirby was the Rovers’ best, kicking four goals.
Five goals to Lance Oswald helped the reigning champs dismantle Berrigan to the tune of 77 points.
Going into the clash, it was first versus third and by the end of it, Berrigan had dropped to fifth, despite Tungamah losing to Katamatite, while Strathmerton consolidated its position on top of the tree.
The 18.7 (115) to 5.8 (38) win was set up in the second term, where the Bulldogs kicked eight unanswered goals.
Adrian Crestani (three goals) was named the Bulldogs’ best.
Jake Dalgliesh, who is averaging one goal a game this season, was named the Saints’ best.
Yarroweyah kept its finals hopes alive with a 15.10 (100) to 5.6 (36) victory over Tocumwal.
Jake Poole kicked five goals for the Grasshoppers, while Lewis Oliver and Kurtis Dixon added two each.
Drew Haebich and Damian Payne also kicked two each for the Bloods.
In the round's final match, Waaia also recorded a big win, knocking off Katandra 18.11 (119) to 7.8 (50).
Sam Richardson kicked seven goals, while Charlie Burrows, who has 45 goals for the season, chipped in with four.
Ryleigh Shannon was the Kats’ best performer, kicking two goals in the 69-point loss.
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