Cats overcome early fright

Neerim-Neerim South overcame an early fright from Nyora to continue its status as the premier team in the competition, eventually comfortably accounting for the Saints 20-9 (129) to 10-3 (63).

Nyora made a good start, surprising many as news filtered around the grounds that the Saints were taking a lead into half time.

Four goals to two in the third term saw the Cats take the lead, and order was restored when the visitor slammed home 10 goals to one in the final term to see the end result match what had been tipped before.

The Cats returned to their best in the final term, as Jackson Ward, Tyssen Morrow, Chris Urie and Kody Wilson all taking their chances in front of goal.

Aaron Fawcett, Jack Deen and Thomas Metselaar also provided drive as the Cats finished strongly.

Ilan Osman kicked three goals for the Saints, while Nick Carrigy, Ashley Meade, Daniel Burns, Chris Hodges, Robert Malberg and Tim Burns also ensured the Saints were competitive up until three-quarter-time.

Cats receive boost

Neerim-Neerim South received a nice percentage boost in the Reserves, thumping the Saints 31-18 (204) to 1-2 (8).

Six goals to one in the first term set the tone, with the Cats not letting up as they slammed through eight, nine and eight respectively for a thumping win.

Jason Halligan had a day out, booting 12 goals, Matthew Sweet, Jeremiah Jones and Dean MacFarlane also chipping in the mammoth score.

Daniel Fusinato, Darren Ratten and Kane Saliba kept up their supply.

Mitchell Boyd, Austin Gurnett, Jack Fowles, Daniel McDonald, Daniel Connelly and Michael O’Rafferty battled against the odds for Nyora.

Cats claw Tigers

Neerim-Neerim South were also big winners in the under 18s over at Lang Lang, crushing the Tigers 24-10 (154) to 3-3 (21).

The Tigers were competitive early, kicking two goals in the first term but could only manage one more major for the rest of the game as the Cats accelerated their scoring.

Eight goals in the second term was followed by seven in the third and five in the fourth as the Cats kicked away.

Justin Lockett kicked nine goals, with Josh White and Rhys George also contributing to the big score.

Mitchell Diston, Cooper Clancy and Isaiah Abrahams were also prominent.

Jye Stephens, Max De Longville, Edoardo Curia, Sam Mascadri and Nash Dwyer took it up to the Cats early.