Playing without captain Cougar McGrath, who suffered a season ending broken leg during the off-season, and first drop batsman Dan Hughes (travelling overseas), the Cats were defeated by 55 runs at Katamatite Recreation Reserve.
Upon losing the toss, Finley were forced to bowl first against a dangerous Katamatite outfit.
With fantastic bowling spells from Bailey Coombs (4/30 off eight) and Anthony King (3/26 off eight) the Tigers were all out for just 116 runs off 34 overs.
Other wicket takers for the Cats included Darcy Webb (1/10 off five), Murray Urquhart (1/17 off four) and Matt Wilson (1/0 off one).
Finley’s run chase had a less than ideal start, with Wilson (one) being bowled out by Brad Parnell early.
Cats debutante Ben Spence was next in, joining opener Adnan Malik at the crease.
It was a short-lived game for Spence however, being caught on five, with Finley now 2/14.
Ed Haynes settled things down with Malik (16), with the pair adding 18 runs before the latter was caught.
Urquhart (five) was next to go when his stumps were upended, and when Haynes (17) was caught soon after, the Cats were struggling at 5/57.
Any hopes of a late charge from Finley were dashed quickly, with the next five wickets falling for just four runs, with the visitors all out on 61.
The loss saw the Cats drop down to fourth place on the ladder.
The Cats will have a week off due to the general bye before facing a red-hot fifth placed Berrigan on Saturday, February 1.
It was one way traffic in the Division Two clash between Finley and Cobram with the latter scoring a dominant 109 run win.
The Div. Two Cats have a general bye this week, before hitting the road to face the Deni Rhinos on Saturday, February 1.
14°C