Cats claw Pies in thrilling win
by Nathan Weatherhead
Neerim Neerim South v Poowong Neerim South have turned the screws on their opponents over the past two weeks and hit some terrific form and on Saturday, Poowong were the next to feel that pressure.
The Cats defeated ladder leaders Poowong in stunning fashion in front of an enormous home crowd, 7.17 (59) to 7.11 (53), the perfect start on their renovated home turf.
Both teams started slowly, probably a result of the official opening, but Poowong were first to settle, kicking the opening four goals of the game through Trevor Hooker, Nick Visser, Jack Hazendonk and Jed Benham.
Neerim were staring down the barrel of a four goal deficit at the quarter time break, wasting their opportunities going forward with five early behinds.
The second quarter saw a shift, Neerim gained more possessions and through Muir at halfback and Wilson in the middle, they saw the rewards on the scoreboard.
Youngster Tom Crole was looking dangerous, booting his first, before Tyssen Morrow and Chris Urie booted their firsts and after what looked like being a blowout, they turned the tables heading into the halftime break leading by a point.
Poowong managed to quell the influence of Chris Urie with Pat Harmes using his body well in the contest to spoil much of the ball coming his way, but it was Tom Crole who, if he had his kicking boots on, could have had a big afternoon.
Neerim had all the play in the third term but were only able to manage 2.6 on the scoreboard, keeping the ladder leaders in the game despite looking like the side to beat on the day.
Muir was able to continue to roam free across halfback, picking off anything that came in deep, and when his kick found Wilson 45 metres out on a 45-degree angle, he calmly went back and slotted home the goal that would turn the match, giving Neerim a 10 point advantage deep in the third quarter.
Poowong coach Mick Hawken urged his troops to fight in the final term and not give an inch, but it wasn’t to be, the Cats able to weather the storm, the match ending fittingly with the best player on the ground Kody Wilson with the ball in his hands, the Cats appropriately winning on their new ground.
Chris Urie was the only multiple goal kicker for both sides, booting two to lead the Neerim forward line alongside the pressure work from Morrow and lead up marking ability from Crole.
After losing their first match for the season, Poowong coach Chris Doria said it was a wake up call for his side.
“They were fantastic at the press and they used it well. They forced the zone like pressure and it was well coached and executed. It’s a reality check, if you don’t bring your best, you’re beatable.
“In the second half we were able to work our way back into the contest, but the second quarter is where the game was won for them in my opinion. They dictated to us and most of that quarter was played in their half,” Doria said.
Conor Cunningham was the best player for the side in the loss, while Alex Doria, Fabian Stellato, Tom Robertson and James Doria were also some of the best for Poowong.
Neerim Neerim South coach Brent Mounsey said despite being down by four goals at quarter time, his side felt they weren’t far off.
“We felt that we were well and truly in the game, we just had to keep pushing and doing what we were doing to get ourselves back,” he said.
Mounsey said the win was an important one not only for the team, but the club on the day they opened their new facility, giving them some added confidence that what they are implementing is working.
“It’s probably more reassurance that we are on the right track. We have confidence and self belief that we have a good young team, it's a massive day for our club, so that was the way we wanted to play it, it was important for us to win today,” he said.
He praised the work of Tom Muir, Kody Wilson and Tim Beaurain down back, who helped keep Poowong forward Trevor Hooker relatively quiet, as well as the work from forwards Urie, Crole and Morrow.
“Having the three of them down there, it means we can try and get one of them loose. They share the role really well. I’ve been really happy with Tyssen the last few weeks, he’s playing a different role for us, the pressure he puts on is fantastic,” Mounsey said.
The Cats have some key players set to return in the next week, Eddie McGillivray, Declan Bagot and Dean Stringer, who will push for selection in round six.
Neerim will travel to take on Lang Lang at Caldermeade Rd on Saturday, while Poowong will be back at home to face another test when they take on Trafalgar.