By Jonty Ralphsmith
Catani has reason to smile this week after recording its first win of 2024 against Nyora on Saturday in the Ellinbank District Football League.
The Blues kicked the only six goals of the first quarter which proved decisive in the 15.12 102 to 8.4 52 win.
There were momentum swings thereafter, but Nyora was unable to reel in the sizeable early lead.
Leading by 53 points at the last change, Catani conceded the first four goals early on the last quarter before stabilising to run away with it at Nyora Recreation Reserve.
Adam Splatt kicked four goals for the second consecutive week while Tom Keily also snagged four as they got the better of Nyora defensive duo Lachie Fievez and Will McGindle.
On ballers Tyson Robinson and playing-coach James Williams were also crucial as Catani controlled the majority of the game.
The Blues face a tough test against Longwarry, coming off the bye, if they want to make it back-to-back wins.
At Buln Buln, the hosts made light work of Poowong, running out 34.12 216 to 3.6 24 victors, set up by a 10 goal first term.
Goal kicker Patrick Ireland filled his boots with 13 goals while playing-coach Bob McCallum and Hayden Baker combined for 11.
Marc Holt imposed himself on Lang Lang’s contest with Yarragon, the Tigers bouncing back from consecutive losses with a 15.5 95 to 8.9 57 victory.
Holt finished with eight goals, while Brad Clark and Kyle Van Der Pluym were also decisive in the momentum-shifting win.
In the most significant game of the round, Neerim South defeated Ellinbank 10.12 72 to 6.8 44 to propel it to second spot on the ladder.
Below the undefeated Lyrebirds are three challengers which have all taken games off each other, with Neerim South’s victory crucial in it keeping pace after its recent loss to Lang Lang.
After a slow start, Neerim South kicked five goals to one in the second half to shake the plucky Eagles which now sit third on the table.
Skipper Kody Wilson continued his strong season and was well supported by Chris Urie, and they’ll hope to continue much the same way when they face the Lyrebirds next week.
Meanwhile, Trafalgar defeated Nilma Darnum 9.9 63 to 7.8 50.
With the winner set to close to within one game and percentage of fifth-placed Longwarry, the match was crucial for both sides to keep themselves thereabouts in the finals race, with Trafalgar crucially able to get off to a fast start.
The Bloods were led by Liam Coulthard and Klay Butler.
Ladder: Buln Buln 40, Neerim South 32, Ellinbank 32, Lang Lang 32, Longwarry 24, Trafalgar 20, Nilma Darnum 16, Yarragon 12, Poowong 8, Catani 4, Nyora 0.
Fixture: Neerim South v Buln Buln, Yarragon v Poowong, Nyora v Nilma Darnum, Trafalgar v Lang Lang, Longwarry v Catani.
