The Finley Cats failed to capitalise on opportunities in the last quarter of Murray League action on Saturday, going down to home side Tongala by three points.
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The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides going hard at the contest.
It was goal-for-goal early, and on the siren coach Jack Sexton put one through to give the Cats a one-goal lead at the first break.
Midfielder Kris Bextream led from the front, giving the Cats good use of the ball and using his leg speed around the ground, while Jordan Taylor’s leadership in the back half was evident in another strong performance.
The Cats continued their first-quarter momentum in the second term, kicking five goals to Tongala’s four to take a 10-point lead into the main break.
The third quarter saw Tongala kicking with the breeze, and that advantage proved decisive as they kicked four goals while holding Finley scoreless.
James O’Connor again provided a strong target all day and was difficult to defend, while Isaac Lunn adapted to whatever role was required of him.
The final quarter saw the Cats fight back late, with two quick goals from Lenny Dattoli before Vincent Adduci brought Finley within a kick.
However, an inaccurate return of 2.5 for the term ultimately proved costly, with the Cats going down by three points.
Final score: Finley 11.11 (77) def by Tongala 12.8 (80).
Goals: Nicholas Hynes 3, Jack Sexton 2, Cruz Nash 1, Lenny Dattoli 1, Sam Barnett 1, Isaac Lunn 1, Joshua Everingham 1, Vincent Adduci 1.
Best: Kris Bextream, Jordan Taylor, Jack Sexton, Lenny Dattoli, Isaac Lunn, James O'Connor.
Awards: Kris Bextream, Lenny Dattoli, Isaac Lunn, Nick Burns.
Reserves
On an ordinary day for football, the Cats travelled to Tongala to celebrate Paul Massingham’s 300th club game, an incredible achievement.
Unfortunately, they could not get the job done, going down by three goals.
There were not too many highlights in what proved to be a tough game to watch for the spectators.
Jeremy Congram stood out with his effort and work rate, excelling in the hustle stats and playing a tough, selfless game exactly as his coaches asked.
His performance earned him Finley’s best player award.
Hopefully, the group can learn from this loss, regroup and be ready for a big team effort against Nathalia at home.
Final score: Finley 4.10 (34) def by Tongala 8.3 (51).
Goals: Lachlan Hawkins 1, James Kennedy 1, Luke Congram 1, Jonty King 1.
Best: Jeremy Congram, Beau Lawrence, Harry Daniel, William Doolan, Spencer Hawkins, Matthew Jackson.
Awards: Paul Massingham, Jeremy Congram, Beau Lawrence, Will Doolan.
Under-17s
Starting the second half of the season, the Cats travelled to Tongala determined to claim their first scalp of the year.
With boarding school boys unavailable for the next few weeks, the focus is to continue improving as a team and make the most of the positional opportunities presented to the young side.
The midfield division of Blake Vidler, Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart and Josiah Everingham worked tirelessly to move the ball forward while going head-to-head with quality opposition.
This was particularly pleasing given that three of those four players are bottom-age footballers.
Josiah, playing his first game in the ruck, battled hard all day and won his fair share of the hit-outs.
Down back, co-captain Tom White and vice-captain Ryan Bauer led the team well, while Joel Fitzell celebrated his 50th club game by listening to instructions, competing strongly and giving his all.
The young forward line hunted in packs when the ball entered their territory and fought hard to lock it in.
On-baller Gus Urquhart finished off some excellent team play to reward himself with two goals.
Unfortunately, the result did not go Finley’s way, but the pleasing aspect of the performance was restricting Tongala to just one goal after half-time.
A couple of big weeks lie ahead before the bye.
Final score: Finley 2.7 (19) def by Tongala 8.13 (61).
Goals: Angus Urquhart 2.
Best: Josiah Everingham, Blake Vidler, Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart, Tom White, Joel Fitzell.
Awards: Josiah Everingham, Blake Vidler, Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart, Tom White, Joel Fitzell.
Under-14s
With seven players unavailable, the boys showed great depth and resilience to record an impressive 90 to 0 victory over Tongala.
After a slow start, the group settled into the game and gradually took control.
A key focus was keeping Tongala scoreless, and the boys delivered through outstanding team defence and a genuine four-quarter effort.
Sam White kicked his first goal of the season.
Levi Jakeman was influential through the midfield, while captain Samuel Hay continued his excellent form in the ruck and led the way around the ground.
Tommy Bain’s effort and determination should be commended, Huddy Daniel delivered another consistent performance, Lachie Urquhart played some of his best football of the season, and Jed Flanagan once again set the standard with his leadership and impact around the contest.
It was a pleasing result, but the boys know they must continue to work hard, improve each week and build towards the business end of the season.
Final score: Finley 13.12 (90) def Tongala 0.0 (0).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 3, Jed Flanagan 3, Samuel Hay 2, Levi Jakeman 1, Hudson Daniel 1, Flynn Rourke 1, Sam White 1, Lincoln Price 1.
Best: Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Thomas Bain, Hudson Daniel, Lachlan Urquhart, Jed Flanagan.
Awards: Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Thomas Bain, Hudson Daniel, Lachlan Urquhart, Jed Flanagan.