Big win to Cats
Neerim Neerim South took Nilma Darnum to town at the Bombers’ home turf on Saturday. The Cats won by 73 points in a largely one-sided game.
Nilma Darnum opened the scoring with three goals two in the first term but the Cats returned fire with five goals three. That 13point margin only widened in the second quarter with an additional 22 points, bringing the scoreline to 4.4-28 to the 8.7-55 by the main break.
The third quarter was a big one for the away side. The Bombers managed just one extra goal in that term while their opponents took them for a ride. Eight goals were added to the scoreboard in that quarter for the Cats, plus an additional four points. Neerim Neerim South had broken through the 100-point line by the end of the quarter with 107 while their hosts sat on just 34 points.
The fourth quarter saw a last-ditch effort from the Bombers. The momentum stayed with the visitors as they added 20 points to the scoreboard but Nilma Darnum matched that score with their own 20 points. The final score was 8.6-54 to 18.19-127.
Matthew Laskey was best on ground for the victors with a huge seven goals to his name. Chris Urie had three goals — he was also on the best player list. Calum Sheils, Toby Bayne, Jeremiah Jones and Dean Stringer were also influential.
For the home side it was Casey Thomsen who walked away as the side’s best player on the day. Tanner Thomsen, Travis Dyke, James Bourke, Ben Campbell and Chris LaRosa were also influential.
After Saturday the Cats sit comfortably in fourth place. Nilma Darnum slip remain in ninth place with this being their sixth loss of the season after seven rounds.
Nilma Darnum will be looking for a win this week but are unlikely to get it. The travel to play sixth-placed Catani, who last weekend showed their how deep they can dig when the chips are down with a thrilling come-from-behind win against Nilma Darnum.
For the Cats, their opponent will be Buln Buln in round eight. The Cats play on their now turf but will have to work hard to overcome the Lyrebirds who sit equal in points to Neerim, only beating them on percentage. Saturday will be a pivotal game for both sides.