CATANI put up another poor effort away from home, losing its third away game for the season, this time against finals contender Ellinbank.
Kicking against a strong breeze in the first quarter the Blues managed 3.3 but could not prevent their opponents from scoring 8.2 and faced a quartertime deficit of 29 points. With the wind Catani failed to use its advantage efficiently, wasting many thrusts into the forward line with misdirected passes or poor shots to score 4.5 and trail by five points at the major change.
With the breeze still blowing, Ellinbank had built up a solid lead of 37 points by threequarter time, after scoring 5.3 to Catani’s one point. The Blues had to find something in the final quarter but, with the breeze dropping and their opponents determined to secure a spot in the finals, Catani was unable to make much impression on the scoreboard. Both teams registered three goals in the quarter and the final margin was 33 points to the Eagles.
Scores: Ellinbank 16.11.107 d Catani 10.14.74.
Best: Nathan Ruskin, Nathan McMillian, Owen Fitzpatrick, Peter Atkinson, Aaron Alger, Chris MacLean.
RESERVES
Catani put in one of its best performances of the year, a solid 74point win against Ellinbank. With a mixture of youth and experience the Blues were too good on the day and Catani’s key forwards, Jamie Lehman (five goals) and Geoff Lindorff, did their job, putting the result beyond doubt.
Scores: Catani 13.10.88 d Ellinbank 1.8.14.
Best: Tim Grant, Ben Koopman, Graig Fitzpatrick, Graeme Dyall, Peter Knaap, Sam Failla.
UNDER 17
In a nailbiter, Catani came from behind to record a threepoint win at Ellinbank. A slow start by the Blues that meant hey had to work a lot harder in the second half. But their comeback in the last quarter was superb and they scored four goals, the final one being registered with just 10 seconds to spare. Coach Norm Forster praised the efforts of Jarrod Milner and Tom Grant, who fought hard all day to keep the Blues in the match.
Scores: Catani 6.6.42 d Ellinbank 5.9.39.
Best: Jarrod Milner, Tom Grant, Leigh Jose, Russell Lehman, Ben Monckton, Michael Williams.
CLUB NOTES
The Blues player the final home game of the season against another finals contender, Warragul Industrials. After the match will be a meal and the annual Gala Night for lots of fun and laughter.
