CATANI’S seniors bowed out of the 2006 finals race after going down to Bunyip in the first semifinal on Sunday.
The Blues started well, scoring early goals through Paul Alger and Josh Tymensen lead by 19 points at quartertime.
Kicking into a breeze in the second term, Catani failed to score a major while Bunyip put on five goals to turn the margin around to a 15point lead at halftime.
The Blues needed a big third term to have any hope of winning, but try as they did scored four goals to Bunyip’s two to trail at the last change.
Kicking into the wind, Catani was going to be up against it in the last term with three key players injured and coach Paul Alger called for his men to give it all they had.
In the end the task was too great as the Bulldogs’ key players saw off most of the Blues’ attacks while scoring six goals at their end.
To the Blues credit, they never gave in and fought it out to the end.
To add to the disappointment, Alger broke his collarbone late in the game.
Score: Bunyip 15.18.108 d Catani 10.10.70.
Best: Catani – Josh Tymensen, Paul Alger, Troy Wilson, Andrew Stockx, Aaron Alger, Paul Whiffin.
UNDER 17
The thirds played Neerim Neerim South in the first semifinal and scored a gutsy win.
After a good start by the Blues, the opposition came back to level the scores halfway through the last quarter and it was game on.
The Catani players showed great character to steady and win the game.
Bryce Cullen was again great all game, assisted on the ball and around the ground by Phil Strahan, Daniel Kerrison, Michael Williams, Anderson Edwards and Kaine Wedlock.
Leigh Jose and Daniel Kitchin provided good targets up forward while Kane Matthews, Mark Cardomone, Jarrod Milner and Jay Withers were all solid in the back line.
Sam Burns played another great game providing plenty of run through the middle of the ground.
Adam Ametovski, Jace Lucas, Blake Matthews and Beau Mason also all played well.
Score: Catani 9.1.55 d Neerim Neerim South 5.8.38.
UNDER 15
Catani continued its good form with an impressive win against Neerim Neerim South in the first semifinal.
The Blues took control of the game early and never let their opponents back into the game.
The players combined well and had winners all over the ground, and are now looking forward to this week’s preliminary final.
Score: Catani 8.3.51 d Neerim Neerim South 1.4.10.
Best: Catani –Andrew Duff, Luke Failla, Vaughan Campbell, Russell Lehman, Andrew Sabbatucci, Ryan LewisFitzgerald.
UNDER 13
Catani lost to Nar Nar Goon in the first semifinal on Sunday.
The Blues started well in the first quarter, scoring the first goal, but a lapse in the second term had opposition going well ahead.
From there it was always going to be hard to catch up against a much bigger side, but the players never gave in.
The Blues booted three goals in a row in the last term,through great play by Luke McLaren to narrow the gap, but it was not enough as the Goon settled and finished off the game.
Score: Nar Nar Goon 9.9.63 d Catani 4.2.26.
Best: Catani – James Canty, James Failla, Josh Miller.
