Saints competitive, but go down
While the scoreboard would indicate a comfortably win for Catani, Nyora were competitive at times in going down 13-15 (93) to 7-10 (52).
It was the Blues’ ability to hold firm against the wind in the second term that ultimately proved the difference in helping them to establish a commanding three-quarter-time lead that was always going to be difficult to chase given the conditions.
The Blues used the wind to their advantage in the first term, kicking out to a 29-point lead.
The Saints hit back with four goals of their own in the second term, the difference being that the Blues found a way to score three goals into the wind to hold a handy 19-point lead at the long break.
A five goal third term effectively put the match in the Blues’ keeping. The Saints won the final quarter, kicking three goals to one, but the 52-point deficit was simply too much to chase.
Ryan Eaton and Owen Fitzpatrick mastered the blustery conditions to boot 11 of the Blues’ 13 goals between them. Antonio Benvenuto, John Alexander, Paul Pattison, Nicholas Visser, Aiden Cuff and Brayden Kennedy ensured they had plenty of supply.
Ilan Osman kicked four goals to be the key target for the Saints. Other better players were Dylan Heylen, Nick Carrigy, Adam Tagliafero, Kallon Rigby and Ben Miller.
Blues work hard
Catani had to work hard for its win over a persistent Nyora in the Reserves.
The Saints remained in touch until late in the contest, with the Blues finishing off to win 10-15 (75) to 7-5 (47).
Josh Tymensen kicked three goals to be among the better players for Catani and push for senior re-call.
Blues dominate
Catani dominated its under 18 match against Lang Lang from start to finish, recording a big win over the Tigers 2411 (155) to 2-5 (17).
The Blues kicked out to a 27-point quarter time lead and were never headed, adding eight, five and seven majors across the remaining three quarters for a nice boost to the percentage.
Mitchell Hovenbitzer led the scoring with four majors, while Chris Potrich, Thomas Cairns and Riley McDonald also joined the party, each booting three goals.
Angus Hetherington, Maverick Kent, Kiam Rose, Trent Adams and Liam Adams were also dominant.
Joel Mudge, Sam Mascadri, Daniel Makepeace and Brent Miller battled hard for the Tigers.