The Finley Cats’ Murray League season kicked off on Friday under lights against arch rivals, Deni Rams.
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The game always draws a big crowd, and never disappoints.
After a huge preseason, the Cats started well with Will Garner bagging two majors in the first quarter for his first game in the colours.
Will Sexton gave him good use out of the midfield.
The game was hot early with Deni putting it up to the Cats with two of their own to Finley’s 3.1 (19) at the first break.
The second quarter saw the Cats kicking with the wind but inaccuracy hurt them kicking 2.9 for the quarter with a highlight goal from Vincent Adduci up against the boundary, and coach Jack Sexton with one of his own.
Finley’s defence held up well off the back of some of Jake Armer’s efforts to see the Cats 5.10 (40) to Deni 3.0 (18) at the main break.
After half-time the Rams came out hot, kicking the first five goals unanswered to put them up by 5 points going into the last.
The Cats had a late run in the last quarter with Josh Everingham kicking a very impressive goal after a very solid day but two final term goals to the Rams saw them hold on against an inaccurate Finley side.
Final score: Finley 8.15 (63) def by Deni Rams 11.3 (69).
Goals: Will Garner 2, Jack Sexton, Luke Congram, Kris Bextream, Ben Nisbet, Josh Everingham, Vincent Adduci.
Best players: Will Garner, Will Sexton, Jack Sexton, Jacob Armer, Vincent Adduci, Josh Everingham.
Awards: Jacob Armer, Will Sexton, Josh Everingham, Will Garner.
Reserves
In the reserves, we started off the year in the right way handing the Deni Rams a 10 goal defeat.
Our boys were led out by captain Jonty King who stood tall and created a great option forward all day.
The teams best on award went to newcomer to the AFL footy field Jade Duroux who led the defence stopping many of the Rams’ attacks.
Jack Miley was another one who had an outstanding game in the forward half, later moving to a midfield rotation showing his teammates how to tackle and chase.
Lachy Hawkins had a strong game in the ruck giving our midfielders first use of the ball.
Mark McQualter, Chris Wright and Will Doolan were other strong players who gave their all for the good of the team.
All in all it was a great team performance with all of the team putting in to place what we have been practising at training.
Final score: Finley 12.8 (80) def Deni Rams 2.2 (14).
Goals: Reece Simmons 2, Harrison King 2, Jackson Haigh 2, Jack Miley 2, Matt Jackson, Jonty King, Dom Philpot, Jeremy Congram.
Best Players: Jade Duroux, Jack Miley, Mark McQualter, Lachy Hawkins, Chris Wright, Will Doolan.
Awards: Jade Duroux, Jack Miley, Mark McQualter, Lachy Hawkins.
Under-17s:
Our season started with perfect conditions for an early season afternoon game for the thirds against our biggest rival Deniliquin.
With a large number of last year’s fourths side stepping up to under-17s we have an enthusiastic young side eager to learn and continue our development with our middle and top-aged boys.
Our boys battled hard from the first bounce but we were up against strong opposition.
Campbell Reynolds in his first thirds game showed great determination and skill level stepping up to the faster paced game.
Will Masalski provided a running game that was great in bringing his teammates into the game and was rewarded with our only goal for the game.
Darcy Sutton applied himself well against a much bigger opponent as well as the ever reliable Ryan Bauer.
Blake Vidler, Jackson Tooke and Pat Billings showed flashes of what they are capable of throughout the game.
Great to get the season under way and we look forward to continued improvement from our great bunch of kids.
Final score: Finley 1.4 (10) def by Deni Rams 15.7 (97).
Goals: Will Masalaski.
Best players: Jackson Tooke, Patrick Billings, Tom White, Blake Vidler, Lachlan Marshall.
Awards: Jackson Tooke, Patrick Billings, Tom White, Blake Vidler, Lachlan Marshall.
Under-14s
The fourths opened their season against last year’s grand finalists, Deniliquin, producing a strong, determined performance.
It was a tight contest from start to finish, with the young Cats giving their all on the big Deni ground.
Jed Flanagan led the way all game and came out firing early.
Noah Brindley also led from the front, making an impact both up forward and through the midfield.
Sam Hay battled hard in the ruck, taking on every contest despite recovering from sickness.
Up forward, Will Harris looked dangerous at ground level, while Orlando Orsida provided a strong target in the air whenever the ball came inside 50.
In defence, Sam White and Hudson Daniel stood tall and held up strongly in the back half.
The boys’ tackling pressure around the contest and their willingness to share the ball with teammates was excellent.
In the end, a few basic errors at crucial times proved costly against a Deni side ready to make the most of every opportunity.
Final score: Finley 6.5 (41) def by Deni Rams 8.7 (55).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 2, Noah Brindley, Levi Jakeman, Rory Burton, Will Harris.
Best players: Noah Brindley, Will Harris, Orlando Orsida, Hudson Daniel, Sam White.
Awards: Noah Brindley, Will Harris, Orlando Orsida, Hudson Daniel, Sam White.