CATANI travelled to Longwarry on Saturday with hopes of a solid showing in all grades. The day began well for the Blues with good wins in all junior grades, but they were unable to continue their form, suffering heavy losses in both afternoon games.
In what was a vital game for the Blues, Longwarry proved the better side. Catani was under the pump early, the Crows getting early goals, while the Blues failed to capitalise on many thrusts forward and were three goals down at quartertime.
The second term started with Catani looking to get back into the game, but goals were hard to come by. The Blues scored three goals to two for the term and still trailed at the main change. In the third quarter the goal umpires had more work, but it was still the Crows doing the better and at the final change were 23 points up.
The Blues started the final term with a couple of quick thrusts forward, the first shot hitting the post and a goal shortly after closing the margin to 16 points. But that was where the run ended for Catani, as their opponents kicked six goals to one for the remainder of the match. Michael Stockx battled hard all day and Owen Fitzpatrick played well up forward, kicking four goals.
Scores: Longwarry 18.8.116 d Catani 10.11.71.
Best: Michael Stockx, Owen Fitzpatrick, Andrew Stockx, Luke McFarlane, Nathan McMillan.
RESERVES
Catani came up against a strong Longwarry side last week and too strong they proved to be. The Blues battled hard all game but many times, when they looked for a runon, they let themselves down with silly or undisciplined play. Graeme Dyall put in a great effort up forward, kicking five goals, but more was required all around the ground.
Scores: Longwarry 17.6.108 d Catani 8.3.51.
Best: Graeme Dyall, Nathan Ruskin, Tom Coupe, Brad McDonald, George Zekic.
UNDER 17
Catani had another good win at Longwarry in a display of good team football. Alex Campbell started the ball moving at the centre bounces, the rest of the onballers backing him up with clearances. Leigh Jose again led the side well, scoring eight goals before taking a stint at full back and releasing Kane Matthews up forward to score a goal. Younger players all played well, Brent Ryan (until injured), Blake Matthews, Beau Mason and Michael Pendlebury making contributions.
Kane Wedlock was strong at centre halfforward, kicking three goals, Jarrod Milner having a great second half and scoring a goal. The onball brigade of Phil Strahan, Daniel Kerrison and Anderson Edwards were again great all over the ground.
Scores: Catani 18.12.120 d Longwarry 1.0.6
UNDER 15
In a lowscoring game, Catani ground out an important win against Longwarry. The Blues had the majority of the play and the final margin could have been greater if not for inaccurate kicking at goal.
Scores: Catani 4.10.34 d Longwarry 1.2.8.
Best: Andrew Duff, Andrew Sabbatucci, Michael Ralph, Craig Heart, Dale Clark, Ben Ahern.
UNDER 13
Catani got a great start in the first quarter, which set up a win. There was some great play up forward by Tom Williams and Troy Lehman and the whole back line worked well to hold out their opponents. The onball group worked well together all game in a fine team effort.
Scores: Catani 11.16.82 d Longwarry 1.2.8.
Best: James Canty, Christopher Marson, Troy Lehman, James Failla, Luke McLaren, Kryton Knaap.
