Cats kick away in last to remain unbeaten

NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH maintained its unbeaten record to conclude round 19 of the Ellinbank District football season, but it wasn't without a challenge from Trafalgar who have re-emerged as a potential contender.

The Bloods pushed the Cats, who went into the final change leading by just three points before standing up when it counted most to kick away in the final term and ultimately win 10-10 (70) to 6-6 (42).

Emerging umpire Kohen Lott-Stephens began proceedings with a perfectly executed bounce down, setting the tone for the highly competitive contest.

The Bloods went the length of the field for a goal to Tyson Leys in the first sign the home side meant business following some indifferent form in recent weeks.

The Cats would provide the immediate response, as under 18 one hundred goal sharp shooter Matthew Roberts marked with the flight in the pocket.

His shot made goal umpire Steven Richards work but was the start of a showing of three goals to prove he will belong at the level.

A long goal from Lachlan Bambridge saw the Cats head into the first change with a narrow seven-point lead.

The Bloods would continue to press, scoring over the back of a throw in to draw level early in the second term.

Once again the Cats would hit back, heading into the long break leading by just five points despite a Trafalgar torpedo on the siren following a free kick picked by umpire Ray Fulton from the melee.

The Bloods scored from the pack to level the scores again and the home crowd soon found voice in the third term, with a long goal putting them ahead.

A 50-metre penalty saw the home side add another as the prospect of the Cats dropping the points for the first time this season began to loom large.

Good body work from Luke Kinder saw him rewarded with a goal from close range before a long shot from Bambridge regained a narrow three-point lead for the Cats heading into the final change.

As rain began to ease the Cats stood up when it counted in the final term.

A flying mark from Isaac Fuller on the wing sent the Cats forward for the first of the final term was soon followed by a running shot from Roberts.

A long shot from the flank put a further dent in Trafalgar's sails.

A fast break from defence through Tom Gill, Tyssen Morrow and Lachlan Guy found Bambridge on the lead to convert from long range for the exclamation point on another strong performance from the Cats.