A huge crowd once again was in attendance at the Finley Recreation Reserve.
As in previous weeks the home side were slow to begin. The visitors pounced early kicking to the McNaught Logistics end in perfect conditions for football.
Finley rued missed set shots early before Cam Robertson finally registered their first major.
As in previous weeks a large quarter time deficit awaited coach Tom Doyle at the first break.
His young team were playing reactive football and injuries to veterans Shaun Kable and Matt Jackson were restricting options.
Cam Robertson was providing a strong contest across half forward and big ruckman Lachy Hawkins was dominating the stoppages.
Levi Middleton, Zac Cuppens and Luke Moore were all starting to get involved. Developing players Dan O’Bryan, Jake Maconachie and Zeke Carruthers were also playing impressive roles.
Paul Massingham was another who had an influence and the Cats began to claw their way back into the contest.
A three goal to one term saw the margin reduced to 19 points and the Cobram forwards starved of options.
Three goal returns to Robertson, Matt Wilson and Middleton saw the Tigers defence stretched. They also were heavily restricted by injury to key players and the game turned into a tight wrestle for supremacy.
With only five points separating the teams at the last break the stage was set for a gruelling last term.
The lead changed numerous times and the home side were lifted by the vocal home crowd.
At the final siren they were agonisingly denied victory by the smallest of margins.
Final scores, Cobram 11.11 (77) to Finley 11.10 (76).
Finley’s reserves made it two in a row with a comfortable 38 point win over Cobram.
Finley were on the front foot early with two quick goals and didn’t look back.
Defensive bash brothers in Simon Fuller and Sam Price once again led the human wall also known as the Finley backline.
The forward line was once again led strongly by flamboyant Cal Robertson as he showed he can kick goals from various positions on the forward line.
The midfield was excellent with James Bramley, Jeremy Robertson and Kyle Russell all starring around the ground.
Will Robertson played a phenomenal full game in the ruck as he returned from a dedicated off-season.
The star of the day was once again Tennyson Vance as he showed the skill to put him in the early running for the league medal.
Final score, Finley 10.9 (69) to Cobram 4.7 (31).
This week the Cats play arch rival Deniliquin Rams in the traditional Good Friday clash in Deniliquin.
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