Cats stake a finals’ claim with big win
Neerim Neerim South staked finals’ claim with a thumping win over Catani.
In cold and often wet conditions Neerim-Neerim South pressed its case with a comprehensive win over 2018 finalists Catani - 11-8-54 to 45-29. With both teams entering the round on two wins the victory in the “eight-point game” propelled the Cats to third on the ladder.
Taking advantage of a slight breeze Catani led at quarter time by five points but after a goal at the five-minute mark of the second term, NeerimNeerim South were never headed as the Cats took advantage of the breeze by putting on four unanswered goals and setting up a threegoal lead.
Two late goals against the run of play from Catani’s Matthew Barrand kept the Blues in touch - just seven points down at the end of the half.
Following a deluge prior to and during half-time NeerimNeerim South came out all guns blazing in the third and despite kicking into the wind kicked four goals to none and opened up a 33-point lead.
Two goals in quick succession to Matthew Laskey emphasised the home team’s dominance as the Cats seemed to have numbers everywhere.
Rhys George, Tyler Pratt, Tyssen Morrow, Calum Shiels and Ashley Lockett were all significant contributors across the ground.
Coach Nick Humphrey was delighted with his team’s effort at the three-quarter huddle and encouraged them to enjoy their footy but continue to put their foot down in the last quarter.
While the boggy conditions and fatigue from both teams saw a drop off in the quality of the contest, NeerimNeerim South kicked a further two goals and only allowed Catani a solitary behind.
Pratt, George, Matthew Laskey, Shiels, Morrow and Lockett were best for the winners with Catani best served by ruckman Jackson Caddy, Brad Adams, Barrand (3 goals), Tom Van Diemen, Dale Johnson and Nathaniel Rodda.