It was goal-for-goal for much of the round three Murray League clash between Finley and Nathalia on Saturday.
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Jack Chester had the ball on a string, gaining several centre clearances and possessions at will.
Tom Lang was once again providing a focal point up forward, finishing with five goals for the match.
Angus Robertson was again solid in defence and Jesse McDonald is enjoying a change of role, moving to a key defensive post. He was rock solid, spoiling many Nathalia forward thrusts.
Levi Webster continued his form from last week and was lively in the forward line.
With a three point lead at half-time, the large Finley crowd was excited for the second half.
They would have been disappointed with the outcome. Nathalia kicked six goals to Finley’s one.
It was a completely different team from the first half, with Nathalia showing more desperation to be first in for the ball.
A stern word from the coach at three quarter time seemed to work.
The effort returned, but it was too little too late.
Although out scoring the Purps three goals to one, the Cats fell 18 points short.
With some key players due back next week, the Cats will be looking for a full four quarter effort.
Final scores: Finley 10.6 (66) list to Nathalia 13.6 (84).
Goals: Tom Lang 5, Levi Webster, Jack Chester, Charlie Lang, Marcus Anderson, Charlie Ford.
Best players: Jesse McDonald, Jack Chester, Levi Webster, Reilly Rennick, Zye Treadway, Angus Robertson.
In the reserves, the game was called off due to an accidental head clash.
It resulted in a Nathalia player being taken to hospital by ambulance.
As it was after half time and Finley were up by nine points at the time, the four points were awarded to Finley.
The highlight of the game was the father-sons combo of Matt, Jacob and Harry Boyd playing their first game together.
Final scores: Finley 4.5 (29) defeated Nathalia 3.3 (21).
Goals: Paul Massingham, Jack Lang, Harry Boyd, Kyle Russell.
Best: James McCaw, Ryan Donkin, Jack Lang.
Taking on the reigning premiers was a challenge for the under-17s Cats, who were eager to take the game on.
The game started as an old fashioned arm wrestle.
Isaac Lunn and Nathan Brown were playing great football.
Jake Orro was able to take a strong mark and kick truly to see Finley hold a five point margin at quarter time.
Nathalia fought back in the second term as the young Cats fell away from the team game plan.
Lenny Dattoli was Finley’s second term goalkicker.
At half time multiple changes were made trying to get back to playing for mates rather than ourselves.
Whilst the scoreboard didn’t change much, the feeling amongst the group was more positive and the tide started to turn.
Tyrell Taylor and Zac Everingham were strong in defence, as Harry Daniel and Harry Boyd worked into the game.
At the final change an inaccurate 2.10 (22) to 3.7 (25) saw Finley require a big last quarter to secure victory.
Isaac continued to dominate the air and the ground to keep Finley in the game, and when he kicked a goal Finley were holding a small margin.
Inaccurate kicking then got in Finley’s way.
As the game neared the end, Nathalia had one last forward thrust only to be denied again. Finley ran out two point victors.
Final score: Finley 3.15 (33) def Nathalia 4.7 (31).
Goals: Jake Orro, Lenny Dattoli, Isaac Lunn.
Best: Isaac Lunn, Nathan Brown, Tyrell Taylor, Jake Orro, Harry Daniel, Harry Boyd.
The fourths came up against a big unit in Nathalia, who jumped out to an early two goal lead against the wind.
To the boys’ credit they stuck to the game plan and started playing as a team.
Captain Ben Rourke provided great run out of the backline before going on the ball, linking up with Doug Billings and snagging a couple of crucial goals.
Lachy Urquhart again proved size doesn't matter and won the tough contests.
The second half of the game saw the boys playing for each other.
Angus Urquhart provided a great shepherd for the uprising skillster Levi Jakeman. He ran in and slotted a goal on the run giving momentum for the attack.
Big man Ryan Bauer started to find his feet and followed up his ruck work stopping multiple advances from the opposition.
Nick Chesworth held the backline together while speedster Rourke jnr had his opponents dazzled.
This allowed Lachlan Marshall to find himself kicking the match winning goal.
Final score: Finley 4.4 (28) def Nathalia 3.3 (21).
Goals: Benjamin Rourke 2, Levi Jakeman, Lachlan Marshall.
Best: Benjamin Rourke, Ryan Bauer, Logan Peasley, Patrick Billings, Nick Chesworth, Levi Jakeman.
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