Cats maintain unbeaten record
With the Communty Bank Challenge Cup on the line, Neerim-Neerim South maintained their unbeaten record with a solid victory over Buln Buln, 13-6 (84) to 7-4 (46).
While the Lyrebirds troubled their more fancied opponents at times, it was the Cats’ ability to generate a purple patch to gap their opponents that proved instrumental to the outcome.
But the victory may have come at a cost to the Cats, with key play maker Calum Shiels coming from the ground in the final term clutching his hamstring ahead of the big clash against the in-form Catani next week.
The Blues should be better equiped this time around, setting up an enticing contest.
Buln Buln were first to score, centred to Lex Wright to kick the first major of the match.
A 50 metre penalty for encroaching the mark gifted Tim Beaurain the first goal for the Cats, but unperterbed the Lyrebirds it up to their more fancied opponents early.
Afree kick from out wide gave Buln Buln their second before a long goal from James Davidson extended the lead.
But as has been the Cats want this season, they were able to get on a run to set the match up.
A running goal from Kody Wilson began a run of 10 consecutive goals to put the Cats in a match winning position early in the third term.
Tyssen Morrow broke through the pack to help put the Cats back in front, and he was back in the action again after receiving silver platter service from Alex Gavin at a boundary throw in.
Wilson made good position front and square of the pack to rove the first goal of the second term.
The Cats worked the ball on the outer side to hit up coach Allan Chandler on the lead, and he kicked truly.
Ashley Lockett generated some run to set up the seventh, which was quickly followed by an eighth.
High contact sparked a melee, with Rhys George taking full advantage of the free kick to extend the lead.
The Cats held possession to set up their 10th goal and take a commanding 43-point lead into half time.
But Buln Buln weren’t done with, as drizzling rain ensued during half time and into the third term.
Long kicks and stoppages were the order of the day early in the third term, with both sides finding it difficult to score.
Luke Nobelius broke through for the Lyrebirds with a handball receive setting him up for a long left foot goal, sparking some debate in the crowd as to which is his dominant foot.
Toby Bransgrove received a free kick for a push, before another free kick and 50 metre penalty resulted in another major for the Lyrebirds.
The match began to get heated, as the Lyrebirds took advantage of the slippery conditions to close the gap and give them some fleeting hope at the final change of ends.
Showers dissipated as the Cats were gifted a steadier, Morrow taking advantage of a downfield free kick.
The Lyrebirds carried the ball from half back to score their seventh, but that’s where their challenge finished.
Ashley Lockett took the advantage to score the Cats’ 12th, before Chris Urie goaled from a 50-metre penalty to round out a comfortable victory.