Persistent Catani close to an upset
YARRAGON pulled off a great escape to overcome a determined Catani side that threatened to cause an upset.
Trailing by two points at the final change, the Panthers kicked six goals in the final term while keeping the Blues goalless to win 11-14 (80) to 6-9 (45).
Yarragon were not able to shake the persistent Catani, the Blues entering half time still in touch after scores were locked at the first change.
The home side were quick to overcome the 11-point deficit, booting three goals in the third term to hit the front as a boil over loomed.
Yarragon's better players stepped up in the final term to arrest the Blues' charge as the likes of Damien Allison, Tyler Payroli, Taylor Rainey, Toby Sherer and Lachlan Shaw came to the fore.
The Panthers used the opportunity to blood some young talent, the likes of Sage Tapner and Liam Smith-Butterworth able to hit the scoreboard in the absence of captain Mitch Jolly.
James Williams, William McGindle, Dylan Williams, Nicholas Cullen, Shaun Donnelly and Jack Hobson were the better players for a Catani side that made the Panthers earn the points.
A DOMINANT first term helped Trafalgar to a comfortable victory over Lang Lang, 11-8 (74) to 5-5 (35).
The Bloods booted eight goals to nil to effectively kill the contest by quarter time, taking a 50-point lead into the first change.
While scoring then slowed for the home side, the deficit was too much for the Tigers to overcome.
Four goals in the final term saw the visitor make a late charge, but the fast start ensured Trafalgar had control of the contest.
Damian Mann booted three goals with Blake Radford, Klay Butler, David Van Schajik, Jace Butler, Jamie Hines and Mitch Virtue also leading a dominant first term.
Tyler Guan, Bradley Ventura, Luke Clark, Lachlan Barwick, Sam Kendell and Liam Edgar were the better players for Lang Lang.
POOWONG overcame challenging conditions to keep Nyora at bay and win 6-16 (52) to 1-10 (16).
The Magpies made use of the better conditions early for a return of 3-2 and a 16-point buffer.
Swirly winds would then impact on accuracy, with Max Mattock booting the only goal of the second term to help keep the Saints in touch.
It was the Magpies' ability to create more opportunities that ultimately proved the difference in a match where they were only able to kick away late.
William Lumby, Thomas Robertson, Jack Hazendonk, Alex Doria, Andrew Logan and Zac Gray helped Poowong to victory.
Dylan Heylen, Jordan Anderson, Nick Fairbank, Travis Stewart and Jesse Heylen were the better players for the Saints in a competitive effort.
TEN goals from Braydon McHugh helped Longwarry to a big win over Nilma-Darnum, 25-21 (171) to 2-6 (18).
The Bombers were again competitive in patches but again experienced times where the opposition were able to take full control.
The Crows booted eight goals in both the second and fourth quarters to ensure a significant boost in percentage.
Joining McHugh among the better players were Cooper Brown, Bailey Stephens, Ben Cuckson, Jake Serong and Cole Cook.
The better players for the young Bombers side were Sebastian Crowle, Korey Carrison, Jeremy Jarred, Malcolm Hunter, Nick Carrigy and Dylan Alberni.