Neerim 16s win dead rubber

With the top five of the Ellinbank District Football League under 16s set, it was the bottom of the table clash that entertained in the final home and away round.

While top teams Warragul Industrials and Longwarry won well, it was the match between sixth-placed Neerim Neerim South and seventh-placed Catani that went to the wire.

The Cats kicked out to an early two goal lead and it proved the difference in a contest that was otherwise nip and tuck, the Cats prevailing by their quarter time buffer of 12 points, 59 (39) to 3-9 (27).

The Blues entered the match with a superior percentage and were every chance of claiming the points to avoid the dreaded ‘spoon’ on percentage.

Both clubs field a young side, and with more top age players should look forward to improvement in 2019.

Daly Taylor, Isaac Fuller, Ayden Ramm, Lachlan Smith, Thomas Crole and Jai Atkins helped the Cats to an early lead.

Jake Hartley-Monckton, Liam Moyle, Jeht Townley, Jye Carbery, Bille Townley and Sam Willemsen worked hard to keep the Blues in the contest.

Dusties finish strongly

Warragul Industrials continued its strong season with comfortable victory over Buln Buln, 10-8 (68) to 2-4 (16).

The Lyrebirds were competitive in the first half but failed to score in the second half as the Industrials showed their class and kicked away.

Five goals in the third term put the match in the Industrials’ keeping as they eased in the final quarter.

Aiden Keady and Luke Kinder each kicked three goals, while Darcy Whelan, Henry Tyers, Brayden Hefford, Nathanael Dungey and Patrick Smythe also helped the Industrials kick away.

Ray Smith, Fynn Hammond, Matthew Garner, Jasper Rietmueller, Renn Coghlan and Alex Hasan led an competitive first half effort from the Lyrebirds.

Crows show gap

Longwarry showed the gap between the top two teams and the rest, comfortably accounting for fellow finalists Ellinbank.

The Eagles battled manfully and restricted the Crows well but could only manager one goal in limited output to go down 8-13 (61) to 1-3 (9).

Angus Adamiak continued his accuracy in front of goal, kicking three majors. Liam Quarrell, Harrison Stephens, Seth Ashton, Bailey Osseweyer, Sebastian Crowle and Tyson Murray also helped the Crows kick away.

Lewis Kennedy, Dean Swinburne, Liam Serong, Max Kittelty, Sam Salce and Josh Williams did their best to try and limit the opposition’s impact.

Poowong freshened up for their finals campaign with a well-timed bye.