Five players back from injury was most welcome and for large parts of the game had their moments of dominance.
Midway through the third the Cats had the run of play with two quick goals to close within striking distance only to have a centre free kick and resulting fifty remove the wind from the sails. A few more contentious frees and the youngsters lost focus and the game.
Tory Oats was outstanding at halfback to play his second high class game in a row, his aerial dominance and strong tackling on show for all.
Two Andison’s in Brad and Caleb outshone classy brother Jack with both having strong games although Jack still managed three goals.
Ben Plemming returned from holidays with a bout of food poisoning but still managed to make an impact, Luke Knight also returning from injury and held century goal kicker Ethan Redcliffe early to force the hundredth to be achieved deep into the third.
Overall, a much-improved effort from the previous week.
With the past players day looming in the penultimate round, a sneaky win could be on the cards. For all past Cats players get down to Barkly Park and watch the future of the Cats at play.
Awards: Complete Body Craft – Tory Oats, Rutherglen Butchery – Bennet Thomas, Bridge Road Brewery – Luke Knight.
Reserves
Cats 7.0, Mitta 7.10
A week is certainly a long time in football. From a shortage of players the week before to players missing out on a game the following week, the inclusion of Buddha Hatton and Ryan Maxwell most welcome with both playing well.
Ryan Jones also made an appearance, but his game was forgettable with zero output.
Seniors coach Duane Moloney was dropped however this was based on the previous weeks’ performance. Players wearing Duane’s boots, shorts and socks the only notable contribution he has made to the reserves side this year.
Matty Andison was dropped from the senior side and not considered for the ressies, this was more about poor personality than football ability.
Jonathon Keys was a late callup, this was due to his contribution around the club and no way based around ability. If playing was based on ability Jono would line-up on a Sunday morning at Auskick level, wonderful hard worker at club level though.
The game was a close affair with the Cats holding sway for the most part, taking a nine-point lead into the final quarter only to be overrun in the final minutes to go down by ten points despite best efforts of Bailey Scholes, Kai Wilson and Jake Goddard who made an early return from a hamstring injury to play his part.
Awards: Winslow Civil – Kai Wilson, Baker Seed – Buddha Hatton – Rutherglen Pizza – Jake Goddard.
Under 17s
Cats 10.13, Mitta 5.3
A physical game of footy that took the Cats until the last quarter to shake the determined opposition and record a forty-point victory.
A much-needed win to settle the side after a couple of tough few weeks. The return of Luke Nicholson was pleasing with his impact immediate with four goals for the game playing deep in the forward line much to his disappointment.
The other pleasing aspect was Snowy Barnes’s first foray at the ruck adding extra versatility to the side as he teamed well with Noah McSweeney.
Jaydon Baldwin’s run off halfback was again important with his speed a highlight. Further back in defence Eli Keys continues to hold down fullback with minimal fuss and is much underrated, rarely loses a one-on-one and never goes to ground. His improvement throughout the year has been immense.
The Beattie boys again had big impacts with Charlie’s marking in defence and Rory’s attack through the middle dangerous delivering the ball deep into the forward line for Judd Kuschert to show his aerial skills.
Charlie James was again very good with his defensive play his strength, and a senior game is not far away.
Awards: EDC Cash – Snowy Barnes, Rutherglen Pizza – Charlie Beattie, Ford Family Play of the Day – Charlie James, Flashes Five – Eli Keys and Jaydon Baldwin.
Under 14s
Cats 12.18, Mitta 2.1
Strong win by the lads against a likely first round finals opponent. Mitta had some permit players unavailable, so a true gauge of the sides is still a little unknown.
In heavy conditions the Cats opened an early lead and never relented for the entire game. Some poor accuracy the only downside for the game.
Jack Torney, Harry Chandler and Jai Nicholson doing the damage on the scoreboard with all but one goal between them.
Flynn Verhulst back in the side the last of the goal kickers.
With the backline being quieter Aaron Lewis-Carmichael found time up the ground to showcase his improvement for the year. Aaron has become the key defender in the lineup with his determined attack on the ball and brave play and has teamed well with Lucas Zani who holds the other back key position.
Big units Bill Lindon and Dusty Fisher also continued their solid year.
Awards: Corowa Sports Power – Dusty Fisher, Rutherglen Pizza – Jai Nicholson, Caffeine Machine – Bill Lindon, Coaches Cash – Jack Torney, Corowa Hotel – Tristan Emonson, Lucas Zani and Aaron Lewis-Carmichael, Lawler Transport – Harry Chandler.
Netball
A Grade
Cats 30 def by Blues 55.
B Grade
Cats 17 def by Blues 63.
C Grade
Cats 27 def Blues 22.
Under 15s
Cats 11 def by Blues 40.
Under 13s
Cats 32 def Blues 25.
Highlights
Under 13s netballer Kaity Ford shot her three hundredth goal of the season in an exciting early morning win. Kaity a talented player and hard-working club person then backed up to play her first ever C grade game surrounded by a wonderful assortment of fellow C graders to claim her second win of the day much to the excitement of coaches Brooke and Kayla.
Kaity has two talented older footballing brothers at the club however the most talented may come in the smallest package.
Delivering awards in front of crowds can be daunting for all. Debuting on Saturday night was Under 15s netballers Milly Morris and Grace Milthorpe who overcame fears to stand front and centre and deliver a spoken picture of the day’s junior games. Well done girls on an amazing show of courage.
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