Rumbalara ran away with a comfortable win in Saturday’s clash with the Finley Cats.
The Cats came out of the blocks well early, matching the fleet-footed Rumba side.
There was a lot to play for, including club stalwart, former best-and-fairest winner and former club captain Matt Jackson playing his 200th senior game (which will be officially celebrated this coming week at home against Echuca United).
Finley owned a lot of the ball in the first quarter but did not capitalise by putting on the scoreboard pressure that their efforts deserved.
In the second quarter they got some reward, taking a seven point lead into the half-time break with inspiring efforts from Dan Obryan, Levi Webster, Reid Crowe and Bailey Reeves.
Unfortunately, the efforts were not sustained and Rumbalara banged on five goals to one in the third quarter to take a commanding lead into the last, which was too much for the young Cats to claw back.
Final score: Finley 8.8 (56) lost to Rumbalara 15.12 (102).
Goals: Jacob Armer 2, Paul Massingham 2, Jordan Sykes 2, Levi Webster 1, Dan O’Bryan 1.
Best Players: Bailey Reeves, Mitch Carson Reid Crowe, Paul Massingham, Lachy Webb, Levi Webster.
Awards: Bailey Reeves, Mitch Carson, Paul Massingham, Lachy Webb, Levi Webster.
Reserves
It was a tough outing for the reserves, who started strong but ran out of legs in the second half, allowing Rumba to pull away and secure the win.
Nath Denny led from the front, booting two goals and standing out as the team’s best on the day. Beau Lawrence was equally impressive in the midfield, consistently finding the footy and driving the team forward.
The Iddles brothers, Noah and Jack, linked up brilliantly and created plenty of opportunities through sheer effort and chemistry.
Josh Gemmill also had a solid game, working hard across both halfback and half-forward, getting his hands on the ball regularly and contributing all day.
A big thanks to Rumba for lending the Cats a couple of players, who both racked up plenty of possessions and showed how to play with the right mindset.
This weekend at home to Echuca United will be a huge game/day for the club, celebrating ladies day and Matt Jackson’s 200th senior game.
Final score: Finley 4.6 (30) lost to Rumbalara 11.7 (73).
Goals: Nath Denny 2, Mitchell Hawkins 1, Jack Iddles 1.
Best Players: Nath Denny, Beau Lawrence, Jack Iddles, Josh Gemmill, Noah Iddles, Hayden Kawau.
Awards: Nath Denny, Beau Lawrence, Jack Iddles, Josh Gemmill, Noah Iddles.
Under-17s
The thirds went to Rumba, hoping to continue recent improved form. Unfortunately, the start to the game was costly, letting Rumbalara run from halfback and use the football with polish. After quarter time, the pressure went up and performance was much improved.
Harry Daniel continued his recent purple patch of form, getting the ball in contested situations and driving it forward. He was helped by the usual suspects in Jezz Doolan, Tom White and Blake Vidler (1 goal).
The backline worked overtime at stages, with Cooper Sutton and Elijah Everingham repelling the opposition’s thrusts forward. Tom Marshall is improving week to week in the forward line, which is pleasing to see.
The Cats look forward to taking on Echuca United this week at home with a few inclusions before a much earned bye.
Final score: Finley 1.1 (7) lost to Rumbalara 11.13 (79).
Goals: Blake Vidler 1.
Best Players: Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler, Tom White, Cooper Sutton, Jeremy Doolan, Tom Marshall.
Awards: Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler, Tom White, Cooper Sutton, Jeremy Doolan, Tom Marshall.
Under-14s
The boys played exceptionally well despite a few late outs, using skills and experience to their advantage. The side started fairly slow but found their feet late in the first quarter, leading to numerous scoring opportunities the young Cats side were able to capitalise on.
The effort could not be faulted, with some younger, less experienced players stepping up and finding their strengths.
The players now need to keep the momentum going to finish the second half of the year. There have been huge improvements from the group, but plenty more to get out of this season.
Final score: Finley 21.15 (141) def Rumbalara 0.0 (0).
Goals: Judd Clarke 5, Noah Brindley 4, Jed Flanagan 3, Lincoln Cicolini 2, Jason Hay 2, Orlando Orsida 1, Mitchell Bain 1, Hudson Daniel 1, Campbell Reynolds 1, Jackson Pyle 1.
Best Players: Hudson Daniel, Campbell Reynolds, Lincoln Cicolini, Riley Gatty, Jackson Pyle, Dom Kelly.
Awards: Hudson Daniel, Campbell Reynolds, Lincoln Cicolini, Riley Gatty, Jackson Pyle, Dom Kelly, Orlando Orsida.
Under-12s
Under 12s took on Cobram at home. On a cold, wintry night, the Cats had a battle on their hands with Cobram being undefeated.
The first quarter was a fierce contest at both ends, with very few chances to score.
The young Cats knew they would have to work hard and start well, and that’s exactly what they did.
In the second quarter, Finley worked hard, with the backline holding its own and some good run through the middle and continued pressure.
In the second half, Cobram upped their pressure and began to hit the scoreboard.
The Cats couldn’t keep up with Cobram’s constant attack, but it was a great effort by the young Cats, and gives the side things to work on at training and prepare for challenges ahead.
Final score: Finley 3.10 (28) lost to Cobram 8.10 (58).
Goals: Zander Fleming 2, Lincoln Price.
Awards: Archie Brindley, Jake Arthur, Clancy Gatty.
Under-10s
The Finley Cats showed outstanding teamwork and game smarts, with every player sticking to their opponent and working hard from one end of the field to the other.
It was a fantastic team effort.
A big congratulation to the two youngest players, Alfie Johnson and Zayn Jakeman, who both stepped up and held their own with plenty of impressive disposals throughout the game.
Awards: Alfie Johnson, Zayn Jakeman