By Ken Moore
CATANI kept its march towards a top two ladder position alive when it clobbered Kooweerup by 132 points on Saturday.
The Demons struggled to combat the silky skills of Luke James, who kicked nine goals and the strength of Phil Smith, who drilled through six.
Classy youngster Leigh Jose played a big role in creating many forward opportunities and the former star thirds’ century goalkicker is now starting to find his feet in the seniors and showing a willingness to back himself.
Nathan Ruskin anchored the defence, while Justin Evans, Luke Harris, Sean Pickering and Andy Stockx energised the Blues’ midfield.
It was another day to forget for Kooweerup.
Former Catani tall Ryan Kitchin contested well in the ruck against his old team-mates, ruck-rover Rhys Morgan went in where others feared to tread and Craig Dyker provided some stout resistance against the continual wave of attacks.
Lion-hearted ruckman Matt Cameron netted three goals and was the only Demon to score multiple goals and midfielder Jason Williams gave it his all.
Kooweerup has an average losing margin of 105 points over the past three weeks, having been on the receiving end of thrashings by Cora Lynn in round 10 and Nilma in round nine.
Saints dump slump
NYORA shook off its form slump and jumped off the bottom of the ladder after an emphatic 70-point victory over a surprisingly listless Ellinbank.
Assistant Saint coach Corey Wilson ran rings around his opponents, kicked five goals and his 50 possessions were testament to his ball-winning ability.
James Fowles, Clinton Wise and Dean Vaughn all kicked three goals and were lively across the forward line, while Matt Hutchinson and Andrew Collis, the latter in his first game back since he broke his collarbone in round one, both provided the rearguard action.
Ellinbank leaned too much on coach Jeremy Reid for drive and apart from defenders Neal Parke, Ash Wallace and Kristian Bingham and full-forward Toby Wallace, who kicked four goals, effective players were hard to find in the blue-and-gold jumpers.
Unless the Bankers can conjure a surprise win or two, they now look doomed for the wooden spoon this season.
Berserk Bombers
POOWONG was monstered by Nilma-Darnum to the tune of 112 points.
The Magpies led at quarter time, but were powerless to stop the undefeated ladder leaders from that point onwards.
Nilma flexed its muscles with a 10-goal second quarter to wrench control of the game.
Midfielders Kane Martin, Phil Harris, Jamie Cann, Allen Chandler and Chris Weller caused mayhem and their good work was finished by David Ivey and Kael Bergles, who both popped through six goals.
Once again Shane Morgan stood out like a beacon in defence.
It was the sixth time this season the Bombers have won by more than 100 points.
Young Poowong ruckman Connor Cunningham had the better of the ruck duels and won many possessions around the field, ruck-rover Matt Grant barged into the packs all game and Ryan Fitzgerald instigated many forward forays and Dave Miller fared well in defence.
Cobras show venom
CORA Lynn was hardly strained in beating Buln Buln by 127 points.
Former Garfield star Jack Allen was in the thick of the action all game, his brother Joe offered plenty of drive as did midfielders Ryan Davey and James Bradshaw.
Powerhouse forward Darren Sheen fluffed a number of chances, but still managed to kick nine goals and worked well in tandem with Shane Dwyer, who netted six goals.
Half-back Luke Hughes and utility Jason Hall both figured prominently in their 50th games for the Cobras.
For Buln Buln, ruckman Craig Kennedy was a standout, back-pocket Matt Wood did his best to repel the repeated attacks, Michael White tried hard to quell the dominance of Darren Sheen and midfield Matt Nooy made his presence felt.
Cats collar Bulldogs
BUNYIP suffered an upset eight-point loss to an accurate Neerim Neerim South.
Midway through the last quarter, the Bulldogs led by 15 points and looked set for victory before the Cats finished the far stronger.
Neerim veteran Jack Halligan used his experience well across the forward line and booted four goals and in partnership with Chris Redl, who bagged five goals, both key forwards proved hard to contain.
Utility Cam Hinkley was at his consistent best and Brendan Sheehan shut down Bulldog playmaker Robbie Hughes.
Bunyip wingman Matt Stapleton was the pick of the Bulldogs and underlined his potential with many penetrating kicks and five goals, while Steve Berryman did a sterling job to stymie the output of Neerim playmaker Chris Urie.
Youngster Ash Walker impressed when he was moved from his wing position to the half-forward flank and Ryan Brown gave his side plenty of impetus when moved into the ruck in the second quarter and helped the Bulldogs gobble up a16-point deficit at quarter time.
Jason Garritty and Stuart Edwards stifled many attacks behind the centre.
