The Cats were desperate for a win to get the second half of their season going.
The first quarter was even, with Jack Sexton getting the Cats’ only major, to the Eagles’ two straight.
The second term was very similar. Echuca still had red-hot pressure and had Finley on the ropes, the Cats again only managing one goal for the quarter through Paul Massingham.
Kris Bextrem continued his great form through the midfield, while Sam Barnett found lots of the footy in his role across multiple positions.
The Cats went into the main break down four points.
After some stern messaging from the coach, Finley came out after half-time with real intent, leaving Echuca goalless in the third term and kicking two of their own.
Jack Sexton continued his dominance finding plenty of the football and hitting the scoreboard again and backman Jesse McDonald found some of his best footy, playing a shutdown role on one of Echuca’s spearheads.
The Cats went into the final term with a narrow seven point leader.
The last quarter saw Finley not take a step back, again leaving Echuca goalless through some great defensive acts from Finley’s back six.
The Cats managed four of their own majors and if it wasn’t for some inaccurate kicking through the game they could have been bigger winners, finishing the game 34 points in front.
Final score: Finley 8.13 (61) def Echuca United 3.9 (27).
Goals: Jack Sexton 3, Paul Massingham 2, Will Sexton 1, Jordan Sykes 1, and Isaac Lunn 1.
Best Players: Kris Bextream, Jack Sexton, Jesse McDonald, Sam Barnett, Lenny Dattoli, and Jacob Armer.
Awards: Jesse McDonald, Kris Bextream, Lenny Dattoli, and Jacob Armer.
Reserves
This was another outstanding win, highlighted by a team first mindset.
Once again it was very hard picking the best, with everyone playing their role, even the three under-17 players who helped make up the numbers.
A big thanks to Jackson Tooke, Patty Billings and Tom White, who did not look out of place against men.
The Cats’ midfield had its best performance of the year, making the most of Spencer Hawkins winning early ruck taps.
Harry Daniel was the team’s best player in a great team effort, closely followed by Bailey Burke, Will Doolan and Chris Wright.
Ben Nisbet kicked three goals and looked dangerous in the forward line.
The backline was led by Marcus Anderson and Cam Isedale, stopping the Eagles’ forward thrusts.
Once again it was a great team effort, and it was wonderful to stick around and see the senior side get a well-deserved win!
Final score: Finley 11.19 (85) def Echuca United 5.0 (30).
Goals: Ben Nisbet 3, Lachlan Hawkins 2, Harry Daniel 2, Patric Billings 1, Jonty King 1, Sam Hurlston 1, and Luke Congram 1.
Best Players: Harry Daniel, Cameron Isedale, Spencer Hawkins, Bailey Burke, Will Doolan, and Charlie Hawkins
Awards: Harry Daniel, Cameron Isedale, Bailey Burke, and Ben Nisbet
Thirds
It was a much improved team performance, despite the loss. After a week working hard on the training track, the boys come out with a much improved positive attitude and it showed.
With Jackson Tooke, Pat Billings and Ben Rourke home for school holidays, they added much needed experience around the ground, all contributing well.
Captains Blake Vidler and Tom White threw themselves at the contest and worked well together. Joel Fitzell, Ben Rourke, Ryan Bauer and Darcy Sutton worked tirelessly in defence against some bigger opponents, but never took a backwards step.
Bottom age players Campbell Reynolds and Gus Urquhart were thrown around in different positions throughout the game and showed great versatility, with Gus kicking the team’s only goal for the game.
The boys look forward to this week’s bye and will continue the hard work towards a much-needed win.
Final score: Finley 1.3 (9) def by Echuca United 8.10 (58).
Goals: Angus Urquhart 1.
Best Players: Joel Fitzell, Patrick Billings, Ben Rourke, Campbell Reynolds, Ryan Bauer, and Blake Vidler.
Awards: Joel Fitzell, Patrick Billings, Ben Rourke, Campbell Reynolds, Ryan Bauer, and Blake Vidler.
Fourths
The Cats travelled to play Echuca United on Saturday and came away with a hard-fought draw. While it wasn’t the result they were hoping for, there were still plenty of positives to take from the day.
The boys started strongly, keeping Echuca United scoreless in the opening quarter and taking an early lead. Unfortunately, the Cats went quiet during the second and third quarters, allowing Echuca United to gain the momentum.
To the boys’ credit, they responded with a terrific final quarter, digging deep and fighting hard to secure the draw.
Levi Jakeman was once again influential through the midfield, while captain Sam Hay led from the front with his attack on the contest and leadership around the ground.
Sam White continued his consistent form, Hudson Daniel provided plenty of drive and determination, and Tommy Bain’s effort and work rate never wavered.
A special mention goes to Riley Gatty, who played his best game of the season and was rewarded for his hard work and continued improvement.
The backline was outstanding all day and should be commended for their effort and teamwork. Their pressure, defensive work and willingness to support each other kept their side in the contest and provided the platform for the fightback late in the game.
With the general bye next weekend, the break comes at a good time for the group to reset, refresh and prepare for the remainder of the season.
Final score: Finley 5.6 (36) drew Echuca United 5.6 (36)
Goals: Levi Jakeman 2, Orlando Orsida 1, Jed Flanagan 1, and Flynn Rourke 1.
Best Players: Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Sam White, Hudson Daniel, Thomas Bain, and Riley Gatty.
Awards: Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Sam White, Thomas Bain, and Riley Gatty.
Under-10s and Under-12s: No games.
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