It was a round of upsets in the Mallee Football this week with the top 2 teams both on the end of a defeat.
The dominance of the Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers suffered a blow when Woomelang Lascelles put together four quarters of high-pressure football to get over the line by 20 points.
The Tigers had a better start this week compared to previous games, but the Cats were matching them in every contest. Neither team was able to capitalise on opportunities and draw clear from the other. The Tigers did sneak away slightly in the second quarter to take a 13 point advantage into the main break. However from then on, when normally the Tigers would kick away, that the Cats put their foot down.
The Cats were finally able to start converting chances into goals and kicked 5 to their opposition’s 1. It was the usual suspects for the Cats, Trent Donnan continuing his stellar form and Arnold Kirby providing his on ball crew with first use.
Alwyn Davey had his best game for the year and finished with 4 goals while Devin McFarlane played well for his 3.
The Tigers’ typical goal scorers were well held for the day and it was Wes Harrison who stood up in their absence to be his side’s best player and finish with 4 goals to his name.
The Cats have charged ahead of the Southern Mallee Giants on the ladder and now have a firm grip on second spot.
It was a defeat to Walpeup Underbool that has seen the Giants lose their second spot. At quarter time it seemed as though the game might be a one sided affair in favour of the Giants, however the Roos come out inspired in the second quarter and dominated the remainder of the game.
Nine goals to one in the second quarter set up a 38 point victory for the home side. The Roos will be excited by the fact it really was a team effort. They had winners across all lines, and a total of 13 goal kickers for the match.
Luke Nathan has been in great form and he, along with ruckman Brad Dabrowski were solid contributors in their team’s success.
Kain Robins lead a lonely charge for the Giants, who will be ruing the missed opportunity to consolidate their hopes for the second chance.
By Dale Shannon