Tigers pip Cats in thriller
THE catch up match between Neerim-Neerim South and Lang Lang at the neutral venue of Yarragon proved match of the round in the under 18s.
Following an even first quarter which finished with scores level, the Cats held the slight advantage through the middle periods of the match.
The Tigers surged home with two final quarter goals, holding on despite the Cats sending the ball deep late to win 5-10 (40) to 5-5 (35).
Robi Nooy, Tai Liddiard, Ashton Townley, Jack Stockx, Harry Herbert and Harry Church helped the Tigers hold on.
Keegan Friedlander, Fletcher Pallot, James Welford, Seth Chandler, Nate Chandler and Kai Withers helped the Cats lead much of the contest.
TRAFALGAR withheld a final quarter surge to hold off Poowong in similar signs to come in the later senior match.
The Magpies scored the final two goals of the match but fell just short, going down 4-8 (32) to 4-2 (26).
Such was the importance of the match, Trafalgar dropped back Isaac Caroleo following his successful senior debut that had realised three goals.
Toby McCabe, Joshua Mills, Andrew Daly, Brock Gill, Matthew Kersten and Jordan Chapman also helped the Bloods to victory.
Jett Blackwood, Bailey Nettle, Hayden Hessels, David O'Neill, Patrick Dorian and Tarkyn Taylor-Wilton led the late charge for the Magpies.
ELLINBANK were big winners over Buln Buln, 14-11 (95) to 2-2 (14).
The Lyrebirds kicked the only goal of the third term, but the Eagles otherwise controlled the contest.
Taj Irwin, Ayden Clarke, Archie Martel, Joel Armstrong, Logan Joyce and Blake Handley helped the Eagles kick away.
Buln Buln were best served by Beau Halliday, Cameron Eccles, Hamish Wells and Matt Whelan.
LONGWARRY were big winners over Nilma-Darnum, 18-17 (125) to 5-4 (34).
The Bombers responded from a slow start with three goals apiece in the second term, but the Crows were otherwise too strong.
Wil Taylor put through six goals in a best afield effort with Tyler van der Heyden, Jake Knights, Tyler Mitchell, Aidan Weekes and Lachie Hawkes also contributing.
The better players for the Bombers were Darcy Britt, Patrick Brown, Tyler Tobin, Banjo Lott, Kade Rossborough and Leo Robley.