Moama’s season was on the line when Finley came across to meet them for Murray League action on Saturday, and it was the Cats’ job to shake that up.
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From the get-go, Finley looked dominant in the contest, getting good looks all over the ground.
Mids Jack Sexton and Jack Yelland feasted off Doug Billing’s best game in the ruck against a tough opponent and got things going for the Cats.
Will Sexton, again, provided drive out of the back half and continued his great form.
A six goal to two first half from Finley saw them go into the half time break with a handy lead.
After half time, the Cats had no plans of taking their foot off the gas, leaving Moama scoreless in the quarter.
Backmen Matt Whelan and Jake Armer again provided a major roadblock for the opposition, and also found their own footy going the other way.
The last quarter saw much of the same, and the day proved a good one for small forwards and midfielders.
Vincent Adduci and Jack Sexton, who combined for seven goals between them, helped Finley to a dominant win as they looked to finish their season strongly.
Final score: Finley 13.9 (87) def Moama 4.2 (26).
Best: Will Sexton, Matt Whelan, Jack Yelland, Jack Sexton, Jacob Armer, Doug Billings.
Goals: Jack Sexton 3, Vincent Adduci 3, Jordan Taylor 2, Lenny Dattoli, Cruz Nash, Will Sexton, Isaac Lunn, Kris Bextream.
Awards: Will Sexton, Matt Whelan, Jacob Armer, Doug Billings, Cruz Nash.
Reserves
The twos boys had a bit of a reality check coming up against a strong Moama side.
The boys never really got going, letting Moama kick six goals to none in the first quarter.
Finley went goalless until the last quarter, kicking two goals and being our best quarter for the day, led by a few of our older blokes.
Chris Wright played strongly in defence, along with Cam Isedale, who had a good second half.
Onto Echuca United at home, and hopefully, we can get back on the winners' list.
Final score: Finley 2.4 (16) def by Moama 12.12 (84).
Best: Chris Wright, Cam Isedale, Jeremy Congram, Spencer Hawkins, Isaiah Kuru, Will Doolan.
Goals: Lachy Hawkins, Jackson Haigh.
Awards: Cam Isedale, Chris Wright, Jeremy Congram, Spencer Hawkins.
Thirds
The thirds headed over to Moama after two weekends off, ready to take on the last four games of the season.
Unfortunately with injuries and unavailability, our list was shorthanded but the boys who took the field gave their all for the duration of the game.
Josiah Everingham rucked all day and for a first year player did a fantastic job showing how far his development has come this year.
Brother Pete Everingham also had a good game in defence.
Blake Vidler tackled and collected possessions all game to lead the side well with fellow co-captain Tom White.
Lach and Tom Marshall applied themselves to their tasks throughout the game as well and showed the benefits of pre-season training with the senior group.
Harry Warenycia threw himself among the contest and was presented with a match day award, much to the delight of his teammates.
Ultimately the team were thoroughly beaten by one of the top sides in the competition, but our boys never gave in and continue to stick together.
Final score: Finley 0.0 (0) def by Moama 19.15 (129).
Best: Josiah Everingham, Peter Everingham, Lachlan Marshall, Harrison Warenycia, Judd Clarke, Tom Marshall.
Awards: Josiah Everingham, Peter Everingham, Lachlan Marshall, Harry Warenycia, Judd Clarke, Tom Marshall.
Fourths
It wasn’t the result the Cats were chasing, going down to Moama by five points, but there was plenty to takeaway from a much-improved second half.
Finley was slow to get into the contest, allowing Moama to build a 12-point lead by the main break.
After half time, the boys lifted their intensity won more of the contested ball and took the game right up to one of the competition’s benchmark sides, falling just short at the final siren.
The backline was outstanding under constant pressure, with Harley Dundon leading from defence and repeatedly turning the Magpies away.
Sam White was calm and dependable across half-back while Riley Gatty continued his excellent recent form with another determined performance.
Through the midfield, Jed Flanagan never stopped working, Elijah Tooke provided plenty of run and drive around the ground and Tommy Bain attacked every contest with intent and physicality.
While the result was disappointing, the second half response showed the character and resilience of this group.
If the boys can produce that level of intensity from the opening bounce over the final rounds, they’ll give themselves every chance heading into finals.
Final score: Finley 4.5 (29) def by Moama 5.4 (34).
Best: Jed Flanagan, Sam White, Elijah Tooke, Harley Dundon, Tommy Bain, Riley Gatty.
Goals: Levi Jakeman 2, Noah Brindley, Callum Tanner.
Awards: Harley Dundon, Jed Flanagan, Elijah Tooke, Sam White, Riley Gatty, Tommy Bain.