Finley thirds progress to prelim
Taking on Cobram at Mulwala on Sunday, the Finley thirds kept their season alive in great fashion.
The first five minutes was an arm wrestle as Cobram threw everything they had at our lads.
The backline held firm and a counter attack saw Kohan Joseph mark strongly and goal to open the scoring.
Liam Rafferty was winning in the ruck allowing Cruz Nash, Harry Boyd and Matt Whelan to get on top of their opponents.
Soon after, Nathan Brown kicked Finley’s second.
Harvey Sneddon continued his strong leading, which helped Matt Whelan kick a late goal to see a lead of 21 points at the first break - 3.3 (21) to 0.0 (0).
The second quarter started the same as the first, as Cobram tried valiantly to get back into the contest.
Angus Hay and Jordan Sykes were repelling all challenges thrown their way.
Lenny Dattoli found himself in the right spot to bag himself a goal before play was stopped, as Kohan and Jonty King clashed heads in a shocking incident.
Isaac Lunn was playing a strong game on the wing before his partner in crime Jack Hay, on the other wing, kicked Finley’s sixth.
Cobram found a goal late in the half to see the scores 5.4 (34) to 1.1 (7) in Finley’s favour.
A few changes were required due to the injuries. Just as he did last week, Cruz dominated the third quarter doing some ruck work.
He racked up double digit possessions and kicked Finley’s two goals for the quarter.
He was aided by Zac Everingham and Tyrell Taylor, locking down their opponents, as well as Patrick Waugh’s speed out of the backline.
At three quarter time Finley advanced to 7.5 (47) while Cobram remained on seven.
The final quarter saw Finley slip into another gear as co-captains Harrison King and Liam Rafferty found the goals early.
Jack and George Koschel enjoyed some time in the forward line putting on good forward pressure, before a tackle from Riley Sutton saw the ball spill free and Matt Whelan kicked his second.
More great forward line pressure saw a turnover which resulted in a Reece Simmons mark and goal.
As the game was nearing its end, Jack Hay tapped a perfect ball from a boundary throw in to Harrison on the move. He then kicked a well timed goal in front of the Finley faithful, to see the Cats run out winners.
Final score: Finley 12.8 (80) def Cobram 1.3 (9).
Best: C Nash, L Rafferty, J Sykes, M Whelan, J Hay, A Hay.
Goals: C Nash, 2; H King, 2; M Whelan, 2; K Joseph; L Dattoli; N Brown; J Hay; R Simmons; L Rafferty.
The thirds will now met Echuca United in a preliminary final this weekend.
The prelim is being held at Deniliquin’s Hardinge St Oval, with the thirds game starting at 10.45am.