Dusties’ finals hopes take another hit
Neerim-Neerim South continued its charge towards a top two finish with a comfortable win over Warragul Industrials, 16-8 (104) to 10-7 (67).
The win took the Cats to a 10-2 record, one win behind top of the table Bunyip and between reigning premier Cora Lynn and Koo wee rup on percentage.
Those teams enjoy a six point buffer to Nar Nar Goon and Nilma-Darnum.
For Warragul Industrials the loss is another blow in their bid to play finals, which the club would surely view as a blow given the recruiting the took place over the off-season.
Dusties now sit six points behind Nilma-Darnum and Nar Nar Goon, and may now be in a position where they have to rely on other results to help them make it.
With the clash having a large bearing on the finals aspirations of both sides, a tight opening term ensued with that Cats and Dusties going into the first changed locked at 3-1 apiece.
The Cats made their move in the second term, kicking six goals to one to open up a handy 35-point buffer at the long break.
A further five goals to three in the third term ensured the match was in the Cats’ keeping.
Dusties finished strongly but the 45-point gap was a bridge too far, the visitor adding three goals to two in a junk time final term.
Nathan Bayne, Aaron Fawcett and Tyssen Morrow each kicked three goals for the Cats. Other better players were Michael Urie, Jack Deen, Dean Macfarlane and Chris Weller.
Tye Holland was Dusties’ best player, finishing with four goals. Will Jolley, Dean Johnson, Shane Brewster, Russell Ware and Josh Peterson were also prominent.
Cats on top
Neerim-Neerim South maintained their hold on top spot with a strong win in the Reserves, 11-12 (78) to 3-5 (23).
The Cats kicked four goals to one in the first term and were never headed, with Jack Fallon, Tim Leicester, Toby Bayne, Thomas Metselaar, James Johnson and Merrick Morley leading the way.
Dusties were best served by Damien Mullen, Cory Melbourne, Drew Davey, Jai Jose, Ben Rathjen and Brendan Jones.
Dusties too strong
Warragul Industrials were far too strong in the under 18s.
The Cats could only manage a behind in the third quarter as Dusties won 18-15 (123) to 0-1 (1).
Joseph Murfet kicked four goals, while Adam Bainbridge chipped in with three majors.
Other prominent players were Darcy Nielsen, Nick Ollington, Jackson Perry, Damen Phillips and Isaac Lalor.
Cats win slog
Neerim-Neerim South’s stronger midfield proved the difference in the under 16s.
The Cats kicked three goals to one in the first term to open up a lead which proved difficult to rope in due to the heavy conditions.
The remainder of the game turned into a real slog, with many players electing to kick off the ground just to gain metres rather than pick the ball up.
Consecutive 50 metre penalties paid against the Dusties bench resulted in the Cats’ seventh major and ended any fading hopes of a Dusties comeback.
The Cats won 7-7 (49) to 2-1 (13).
Lachlan Ward, Rhys George, Bailey Ward, Kyle and Reece Clarke helped the Cats get the early jump, while Josh White was the only multiple goal scorer with two.
Will Gibson, Bailey Wright, Billy Bundle, Ethan Winduss, Nicholas Huggett and Mitch Crole battled the conditions best for Dusties.