Catani cap season with win
Catani capped off its season with victory over Buln Buln, 9-12 (66) to 7-9 (51).
The Blues entered quarter time with a 10-point lead, and were able to hold the Lyrebirds at bay for the remainder of the contest.
The game opened up after a tight first quarter, with the Lyrebirds kicking five goals to four to close the gap to three points.
The Blues made their move in the third term, booting three goals to one to open up a handy but not insurmountable 17-point margin at the final change of ends.
A torrid final term ensued, with neither side able to manage a goal as the Blues held on to win by 15-points.
Ryan Eaton was the most effective forward on the day, finishing with four goals.
Midfielders Nicholas Visser and Antonio Benvenuto led the Blues to victory, while John Alexander, Brandon Scammell and Cody Banbury were also prominent.
Coach Matthew Gray helped keep the Lyrebirds in touch. He was supported by James Davidson, Jack Symes, Harry Wans, Dylan Farrell and Tim Davine.
Lyrebirds downed
Inaccuracy didn’t help Buln Buln as the Lyrebirds went down to Catani in the Reserves, 13-10 (88) to 2-11 (23).
Buln Buln raced out to an early lead, and could have enjoyed a greater margin had it been for a better return than 1-7.
The Blues were quick to respond, booting six goals in the second term while keeping the Lyrebirds scoreless to race out to a lead of their own.
The Blues weren’t headed from that point, with five goals in the final term pushing the margin out to 65-points.
Owen Fitzpatrick kicked six goals, while Josh Tymensen, William Temby, Sean Williams, Scott Olierook, Casey Player and Ryan Williams also helped the Blues recover from a slow start.
Andrew Welfare, Pete Verbeek, Brad Fusinato, Carlton Helliwell, Anthony Baker and Jarod Hosking were the better players for the Lyrebirds.
Buln’s strong win
Buln Buln recorded a strong win in the under 18s, 19-13 (127) to 2-3 (15).
The Lyrebirds kicked out to a 28point lead at quarter time and were never headed.
Toby Bransgrove kicked four goals to feature among the better players, while Charlie Park chipped in with three majors.
Jake Pierrehumbert, Brandon Allen, Jediah Melbourne, Nicholas Castle and Leyton Willis were also prominent.
James Williams, Joel Benson, Trent Adams, Mitchell Hovenbitzer, Braidyn Hall and Liam Adams tried hard to stem the tide for Catani.
Buln end on high
Buln Buln rounded out its season in the under 16s with victory over Catani.
The Blues did well to restrict Buln Buln early before the Lyrebirds broke clear in the second half, booting six goals to two.
Mitchell Leek kicked three goals, while Connor Gardner, Blake Cann, Thomas Jessup, Jaryd Kelly, Michael Rowlinson and Max Phillips also helped the Lyrebirds to victory.
The Blues were best served by Cameron Stephenson, Ryan Hanegraaf, Braidyn Hall, Lucas Kallady, Nickolas Willemson and Maverick Kent.