Finley were coming off two great wins heading into their clash against Echuca with their eyes set on three in a row.
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The game started closely even though Finley had most of the play they only managed two majors to Echucas one.
Jack and Will Sexton again managed to stuff the stat sheet both having standout games.
The Cats pulled away in the second with some inaccurate scoring the only thing holding them back from a bigger lead as they went into the main break 29 point leaders.
Jack Yelland and Jordan Sykes enjoyed midfield minutes and Jake Armer set the tone as he always does with his courage.
Echuca managed three goals to Finley’s two in the third term narrowing the lead down slightly before the Cats put their foot down in the last quarter with five majors to two off the back of defence from Nik Burns.
In the end Finley won by 46 points.
Final score: Finley 12.14 (86) def Echuca United 6.4 (40).
Goals: Jack Sexton 4, Luke Congram 2, Vincent Adduci 1, Nik Burns 1, Lenny Dattoli 1, Jacob Armer 1, Josh Everingham 1, Nick Lunn 1.
Best: Jack Sexton, Will Sexton, Jacob Armer, Jack Yelland, Nik Burns, Jordan Sykes
Awards: Jacob Armer, Cruz Nash, Jordan Sykes, Lachy Webb.
Reserves
On Saturday, Echuca United travelled to Finley to take on our men who started the game on fire, lead by our Co-Captains Jonty “Bull” King and Marcus “Cous” Anderson, who both had great games leading by example.
Marcus lead the backline starting or being involved in a lot of forward thrusts and Jonty had the ball on a string in the forward line kicking 6.6 earning himself BOG for the Cats.
It was such a great team effort with everyone playing their role.
Cam Isedale, Chris Wright and Jeremy Doolan all featured in the best in a great team performance.
On to next week as we take on a very strong Cobram side, which will be a great test to see where we are at.
Final score: Finley 13.16 (94) def Echuca United 3.1 (19).
Goals: Jonty King 6, Ben Nisbet 2, Lachy Hawkins 1, Jackson Haigh 1, Matt Jackson 1, Dom Philpot, Spencer Hawkins 1, Jack Miles 1.
Best: Jonty King, Cam Isedale, Marcus Anderson, Jeremy Doolan, Chris Wright, Bailey Burke.
Under-17s
The thirds took on the Eagles for our second last home game eager to continue building on our momentum we’ve created this season.
Campbell Reynolds threw himself at every contest he could, tackling and pressurising the opposition.
His skill with ball in hand also was a strong feature of his game.
Captains Tom White and Blake Vidler worked hard all game with the help of vice captain Ryan Bauer.
Josiah Everingham toiled hard through injury in the ruck to provide first use for his teammates.
Thomas Marshall presented at CHF and continued showing his improvement.
Although comprehensively beaten we continued trying hard and just to show when things aren’t going your way we had a certain goal snatched away with the absolute cruelest of bounces in the second quarter.
With two more games to go we will continue to finish off the year on a high note.
Final score: Finley 0.1 (1) def by Echuca United 17.13 (115).
Best: Blake Vidler, Campbell Reynolds, Tom Marshall, Tom White, Josiah Everingham, Lachy Marshall.
Awards: Blake Vidler, Campbell Reynolds, Tom Marshall, Tom White, Josiah Everingham, Lachy Marshall.
Under-14s
Finley started strongly and took control early, leading 13 to 2 at quarter time and taking a 13 point advantage into the main break.
One of the most pleasing parts of the game was the boys’ work around the stoppages.
Their centre clearances gave Finley plenty of first use and allowed them to get the ball moving forward quickly.
When Echuca lifted after half time, the Cats responded with a strong third quarter, kicking three goals and taking a 17 point lead into the final change.
Echuca kept coming in the last, but the boys dug deep and the backline held firm to secure a well-earned 41 to 30 victory.
It was another performance that showed just how far this group has come.
Their ability to work together, win the contested footy and respond when challenged has improved enormously throughout the season.
They’re trusting each other, play for each other and put together some really good team footy.
Jed Flanagan led the way with another outstanding performance, while Sam Hay worked hard around the ground.
Harley Dundon played arguably his best game of the season, outstanding down back and standing tall when Echuca pushed forward.
Hudson Daniel was also strong defensively while Tommy Bain attacked every contest with determination.
Noah Brindley was also outstanding, having a big influence through the middle and playing an important role in Finley’s strong work at the clearances.
A great response after last week’s narrow loss and another performance the boys can take plenty of confidence from heading into the final part of the season.
Final score: Finley 6.5 (41) def Echuca United 4.6 (30).
Goals: Levi Jakeman 2, Noah Brindley 1, Orlando Orsida 1, Hudson Daniel, Lachy Urquhart.
Best: Jed Flanagan, Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Tommy Bain, Harley Dundon, Noah Brindley.
Awards: Jed Flanagan, Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Tommy Bain, Harley Dundon, Noah Brindley.