The annual long weekend game saw Finley take on Deniliquin for the first time since their disappointing Good Friday loss, and the Cats had a point to prove.
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The first quarter started like most games, hot and even with both sides hitting the scoreboard.
If Finley had been able to convert a few more opportunities, they would have gone into the first break leading by more.
The addition of Nicholas Hynes to the forward line for the Cats was a big one.
He contributed very well in his first game in the hoops, snagging two majors for the day.
The second quarter saw the Cats start to stamp some dominance, nailing six goals for the quarter and keeping Deni to only one. They executed the roll and go to perfection.
Kris Bextream and Isaac Lunn had huge games with new roles in the midfield. They got their hands on the footy a lot to give Finley good looks (and also shots at goal). The Cats went into the rooms 32 point leaders.
Jack Sexton continued to do what he does, dominating around the ground and topping his day off with a nice goal.
Jed Anderson provided his on field leadership and showed his class as the Cats enjoyed another six goal quarter in the third term.
Under-17s sub Blake Vidler did some great in and under work, proving he can compete at senior level.
In the last quarter, Finley finished strongly with Will Sexton ending with six majors and Jordy Sykes, in for his first game, played his role perfectly.
Final score: Finley 19.10 (124) def Deni 8.9 (57).
Goals: Will Sexton 6, James O’Connor 4, Nicholas Hynes 2, Jed Anderson 2, Kris Bextream 2, Cruz Nash, Jack Sexton, Jordan Sykes.
Best: Jed Anderson, Jack Sexton, Kris Bextream, Isaac Lunn, Jordan Sykes, Will Sexton.
Awards: Jed Anderson, Isaac Lunn, Kris Bextream, James O’Connor, Jordan Sykes.
Reserves
The Cats hit the scoreboard early through coach James Kennedy, kicking one of his five for the day.
Matt ‘Jacko’ Jackson was awarded best on ground in a new role, playing as a true centre-man. He set up many scoring opportunities while kicking four goals himself.
Paul Massingham mopped up countless opposition forward entries across half back, finding a lot of the ball.
Other players named in the best were Beau Lawrence, Sam Hurlston and Harrison King who also won the Sticks Hendy Memorial Mug.
Final score: Finley 16.15 (111) def Deniliquin 2.3 (15).
Goals: James Kennedy 5, Matt Jackson 4, Harry Daniel, Paul Massingham, Luke Congram, Beau Lawrence, Ben Nisbet, Harrison King, Jonty King.
Best: Matt Jackson, James Kennedy, Beau Lawrence, Harrison King, Paul Massingham, Sam Hurlston.
Awards: Spencer Hawkins, Lach Hawkins, Nathan Brown, Jordan Sykes.
Thirds
Against our arch rivals, the boys were eager to prove our improvement.
In our first meeting with Deni this year, we lost by a huge 80 points.
While we failed to get a win this round, we only lost by 15.
Our boys showed the desperation and determination that has been our trademark and with the inclusion of our boarding school boys, it helped boost confidence and resulted in numerous strong full ground passages of play.
Newly appointed co-captains Blake Vidler and Tom White lead from the front, until Tom went off late with injury.
Vice captains Nick Chesworth and Ryan Bauer did their usual hard running and one per cent acts which helped the side.
Jackson Tooke, Pat Billings and Jackson Pitt controlled their positions well.
A highlight of the game was first year player Harry Warenycia’s huge mark in the first quarter.
Final score: Finley 6.7 (43) def by Deni 8.10 (58).
Goals: Angus Urquhart, Corey Dundon, Tom White, Nick Chesworth, James White, Ben Rourke.
Best: Campbell Reynolds, Judd Clarke, Harrison Warenycia, Angus Urquhart, Jackson Pitt, Jackson Tooke.
Awards: Campbell Reynolds, Judd Clarke, Harry Warenycia, Angus Urquhart, Jackson Pitt, Jackson Tooke.
Fourths
After a win, Finley maintains second position on the ladder and moves one game clear.
Samuel Hay was dominant in the ruck, giving the midfield first use and competing strongly around the ground.
Jed Flanagan continued his outstanding season with another influential performance through the middle, while Huddy Daniel provided his usual toughness and reliability.
Levi Jakeman worked tirelessly and continued to create opportunities for his teammates while Harley Dundon produced one of his most complete games of the season with his attack on the contest and willingness to compete.
Flynn Rourke was rewarded for another consistent performance, using the ball well and working hard.
Final score: Finley 5.4 (34) def Deni 2.4 (16).
Goals: Levi Jakeman 3, Jed Flanagan, Jake Arthur.
Best: Hudson Daniel, Harley Dundon, Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Jed Flanagan, Flynn Rourke.
Awards: Hudson Daniel, Harley Dundon, Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Jed Flanagan, Flynn Rourke.