An undermanned Jeparit Rainbow did well to come out of this game at Woomelang with the four points. Missing Adam Roll, Dean Schumann and Mick Eckermann, the Lakers needed a concerted effort from the whole team to defeat the Cats.

Jake Parry's five goals was just what was needed. This combined with Daniel Griegg's four goals meant that Jeparit Rainbow had the more potent forward set up and with their onballers doing a lot of damage, they had too much fire power in the end for Woomelang Lascelles.

The game was close early with only two points separating the sides at half time. Heath Clugston was once again best for Jeparit Rainbow and with Ashley Clugston also playing well, the Lakers were able to receive a lot of drive from around the packs.

Jason Kreuger kicked four goals for Woomelang Lascelles to be their best player on the day. Christopher Foott and Rohan Coburn did well and Anthony Foott chimed in with two goals. Jackson Quirk is playing consistent football and it was good to see youngster Tyson Monaghan named one of the Cats' best coming up from the seconds.

Laker coach Luke Werner called for his players to stick to the game plan and cut out the silly errors and poor decision making. He would at least be pleased with the effort his team put in this week and will be hoping to get some players back for the clash against the Tigers next week.

For the Cats, they have a trip to Beulah to look forward to.. The Blues are in ominous form and never lose at home.

SEA LAKE NANDALY TIGERS V HOPETOUN

In cold and wintry conditions, Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers hosted Hopetoun in an entertaining and hard fought contest at Culgoa. After a tight battle in which the Tigers got to within one kick in the third term, Hopetoun eventually came away deserved nine point winners.

The Tigers' last quarter was their best of the day, but the scoreboard damage had been done. Hopetoun were the better side and won because they always seemed to have the ability to run and create a loose man. This running into space occurred consistently throughout the match and was telling in the end.

The Devils' win has further shored up their position in the top four and they sit in third place two wins and a healthy percentage above the Tigers in fourth spot.

A fast starting Hopetoun had the Tigers on the back foot early. Kain Robbins and Bryce Wellington were on top and causing headaches for the Tiger defence. Inaccuracy in front of gaol by Hopetoun allowed the Tigers to stay in touch with late goals to Mark Deuscher and Mark Roberts cutting the margin to 11 points at quarter time.

Deuscher was named best for Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers and his three goals on a day not made for forwards, did a lot to keep the Tigers in touch for most of the day.

The second quarter developed into an arm wrestle with both sides having trouble converting goals. Mark Roberts, Liam Barry and Col Durie were the prime movers for the Tigers, whilst Kane Robbins and Luke Milroy were doing the damage for the devils. Devon Mill was tagging Durie to little effect with the Tiger coach seeming to rack up possessions at will.

Zack Taggart was outstanding for the Devils and Ruben Vesikuru played his best game for the season for Hopetoun winning plenty of the ball through the midfield where Zac Taggert also showed the importance that he is to the Devils. He worked well with Simon Cook in the ruck and this group provided a high workload through the centre and often give Hopetoun first use of the ball.

The second half was an evenly contested affair with the Tigers getting to within six points of the Devils late in the third quarter.

Steve Hallam and Leigh Hutchinson were rebounding many Tiger attacks. Luke Martin persisted and become one of Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers' best players as he was able to match it with the dominant Robbins. Martin was assisted by Taylor Hannig and this pair was often able to double team Robins in an effort to nulilfy his influence.

Hopetoun were always in control of this match, but were never able to totally break away from the dogged Tigers. Poor kicking for goal allowed Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers to stay with the Devils right up until the final term.

With Ben Reid and Zac Robins showing plenty of maturity and standing up when required and with the class of Robins, Wellington and Milroy, Hopetoun has set up an interesting match against the second placed Ouyen United this week at Hopetoun.

WALPEUP UNDERBOOL V BEULAH

Having the bye last week did nothing to diminish Beulah's endeavour and desire against a disappointing Walpeup Underbool at Underbool on Saturday. In a powerful display of strength, skill and determination, the Blues systematically tore apart the Roos to go top of the ladder and reinforce their premiership favouritism.

With 38 scoring shots themselves and restricting the Roos to a measly 11, Beulah held sway all over the ground. On a day not conducive to skilled football, the Blues wasted opportunities in front of gaol and really should have won by more.

Joshua Plozza in his best game for the Roos so far, gave Walpeup Underbool first use of the ball, but Beulah's midfielders and small forwards dominated. Blues' pressure all over the ground for four quarters was too much for Walpeup Underbool who battled to keep the scoreboard respectable.

Gary Hallam was best for Beulah, his run from half back was outstanding and with midfielders in Gareth Hose and Dale Shannon dominating, the ball was in the Blues' forward line for long periods of play. Jason Turnbull's five goals and Hose's three were good efforts in the conditions that lead to a lot of very scrappy passages of play.

Walpeup Underbool's Chris Lynch and Jim Wakefield worked hard in defence and did well to limit Beulah's domination. Luke Nathan, Dean Slorach and Matthew Palmer tried hard all day, but in the end they did not have enough support from those around them.

In another sickening injury for the unlucky Walpeup Underbool, they lost champion Wade Champion to a head clash with Beulah's Pat Looney that saw both players leave ground in the second quarter.

The Roos desperately need a few of their stars back from injury and with the bye next week, hopefully they will regain one or two for their clash against he Cats in Round 16 at Woomelang. Beulah face the battling Woomelang Lascelles at home next week.

By Jim Gordon