A young Finley side were no match for Numurkah, in their Murray League clash on Saturday.
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The Cats were off to a flying start, kicking four goals to two early, but weren’t able to play a consistent four quarter game.
Fraser Hawkins provided a fantastic target up forward in what was his best game for the year, taking some heat off Paul Massingham who collected three goals.
Isaac Lunn, Lachie Webb, Nik Burns and Cruz Nash all battled hard with Mitch Carson providing some spark on the outside.
Dan O’Bryan was strong in defence while Reece Simmons, playing his first senior game in defence, was also very impressive.
The Cats are excited to build on the match for this week against arch rivals Deni.
Final score: Finley 9.8 (62) lost to Numurkah 18.13 (121).
Goals: Paul Massingham 3, Nick Burns, Harrison King, Lachy Webb, Mitch Carson, Isaac Lunn, Fraser Hawkins.
Best players: Frazer Hawkins, Dan O’Bryan, Lachlan Webb, Paul Massingham, Reece Simmons, Isaac Lunn
Awards: Fraser Hawkins, Lachlan Webb, Reece Simmons, Mitch Carson, Paul Massingham.
Reserves:
In what ended up being a tough loss for the reserves against a strong Numurkah side, there were still plenty of positives to take from the game.
Best on ground went to Nathan Brown, who was relentless all day. He ran hard and threw himself into every contest, leading by example with his toughness and work rate.
Mitch Hawkins was outstanding in the ruck, putting in a tireless effort from start to finish and giving our midfield first use.
It was great to see Nick and Cam Robertson return to help out, and both made solid contributions throughout the match.
Meanwhile, their brother William battled through a tough first three quarters, struggling to find his footing.
However, a move forward in the last quarter saw him take half a dozen strong marks — a bright spot, even if the game was already out of reach.
In his 100th club game, Cam Isedale stood up well, asserting himself in many contests and showing his experience and strength around the ball.
Despite the scoreboard, the team showed plenty of heart and fight. With continued effort and a few adjustments, the group will be better for the run.
On to a big game this weekend at Deni.
Final scores: Finley 3.6 (24) lost to Numurkah 15.10 (100).
Goals: James Kennedy, Justin Crowley, Kade Pyle.
Best players: Nathan Brown, Louis Capitaine, Mitchell Hawkins, Cam Isedale, Nick Robertson, Will Robertson.
Awards: Nathan Brown, Louis Capitaine, Mitchell Hawkins, Cam Isedale, Nick Robertson.
Thirds:
The thirds came up against a Numurkah side with a similar record and absolutely full of optimism about their chances.
At the start, the Cats were trying their hardest to get the ball forward and create some forward line pressure.
First year players Jordan Dean and Corey Dundon showed promising signs all game with their attack on the footy.
Co-captain Harry Daniel continued working hard to lead from the front at every contest and was helped by Blake Vidler.
In the backline co-captain Cooper Sutton hampered by a leg issue battled hard with help from Elijah Everingham, Matt Dilullo and Tom Marshall.
Jeremy Doolan, Tom White and Ryan Bauer continue their improvement every week by never giving up.
Unfortunately, the Blues were too good, but with a few boarding school boys home this week, the Cats look forward to a positive outcome against their biggest rivals.
Final scores: Finley 0.2 (2) lost to Numurkah 9.15 (69).
Best players: Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler, Jordan Dean, Tom Marshall, Corey Dundon, Cooper Sutton.
Awards: Jordan Dean, Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler, Corey Dundon, Tom Marshall.
Fourths:
It was a cold morning when the Cats hosted the Blues in the fog.
The game started well with an early forward entry that gave the Cats some shots on goal and scoring attempts.
Lachie Marshall, Jason Hay and Noah Brindley were cleaning up and getting clearances forward, resulting in a goal to Judd Clarke.
The next two quarters saw little score impacts.
Finley locked the ball in their forward 50 and Angus Urquhart built the wall with Jason and Samuel Hay that the Blues defence couldn’t penetrate.
The last quarter saw a resurgence in the midfield from both teams.
The boys had energy to spare as Mitch Bain crashed and bashed, with plenty of support.
A late goal from Judd Clarke sealed the deal for a nine point win.
Final scores: Finley 2.5 (17) def Numurkah 1.2 (8).
Goals: Judd Clarke 2.
Best players: Angus Urquhart, Samuel Hay, Jason Hay, Lachlan Marshall, Jed Flanagan, Judd Clarke.
Awards: Angus Urquhart, Samuel Hay, Jason Hay, Lachlan Marshall, Jed Flanagan, Henry Pascoe.
Under-12s:
Finley took on the Bloods at Nathalia and from the first bounce had control of the game with two goals in the first minute.
The trend continued throughout the game with some great passages of play. Everyone worked together as a team.
The Cats had to share some players with the Bloods as they were short, and it was pleasing to see these players continue to give their all.
The Cats also switched some positions to give everyone a chance to try new spots to play.
Finley finished with a comfortable win.
Under 10s:
The young Cats travelled to Nathalia for an exciting clash against Barooga.
They had a quiet start, but once the team found their voice and committed to sticking with their players, everything started to click.
The improvement across the ground was fantastic, and the team effort brought about the result the team was aiming for.
Award winners were Dom Orsida and Zayn Jakeman for their outstanding efforts.
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