Catani overrun Longwarry
Catani took the points over fellow finals hopefuls Longwarry, but only after clicking into gear in the final quarter to run over the top of the Crows and win, 10-12 (72) to 8-9 (57).
Goalless in the first term, the Blues endured a slow start and trailed for the majority of the contest. Inaccuracy didn’t help their cause as they went into three-quarter-time down by 16-points.
With the threat of a disappointing loss looming, the Blues roared into life in the final term to add six majors and run over the top of the Crows, who could only manage the one major for the term.
Key forward Ryan Eaton proved instrumental, booting four goals, while veteran Antonio Benvenuto maintained his run of strong form to finish with three goals.
Tom Keily proved a handy player before his pending departure to play cricket in England, while Aiden Cuff, Paul Pattison and Brett Williams were other solid contributors.
The Crows were best served by Ben Cuckson, Ken Towt, Cory Lenders, Brody Rundell, Matthew Hobson and speedster Kane Oldham.
Blues adapt best
Catani did enough to account for a wasteful Longwarry in the Reserves, winning 5-11 (41) to 1-10 (16).
Both sides struggles to adapt to the blustery conditions early, entering the half time break locked at 1-5 (11) apiece.
The Blues used the wind well in the third term, adding four goals to no score to set up a handy lead.
The Crows pushed hard in the final term, but could only register five behinds for their efforts.
Shaun Donnelly, William Temby, Blake Matthews, Jay Bosanquet, Mitchell Gregson and John Traynor got things moving for the Blues in an important third term.
For Longwarry it was Brendon Parnaby, Sam Batchelor, Matthew Luttgens, Jeremy Hill, Braydon Monroe and Braydon McHugh who led attempts to bridge the gap.