Sport

Gallery: Strathmerton flexes muscles in win over Katandra

By Aydin Payne

Jul 23, 2023

If Saturday’s contest is anything go off Katandra still has plenty to work on if it is to challenge the top sides for the Picola District Football Netball League premiership.

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The Kats were good enough for two-quarters of football against the heavyweight Strathmerton, trailing by one point at the main break, but the Bulldogs flexed their muscles in a blistering second-half performance.

Led by forward maestro and co-coach Tim Looby, who had another five-goal outing, Strathmerton piled on 11 goals to three to blow Katandra away after half-time.

The impressive 16.10 (106) to 8.6 (54) win sees the Bulldogs chalk up their 12th win of the year with two rounds left to play.

Onballer Jake Ellery was again one of Strathmerton’s best, while teammate Sam Lewis was a standout with his pressure.

Luke Smith tried his hardest to give Katandra a chance with six goals, while teammate Mitch McGrath was lively through the midfield.

Katandra coach Jason Whittaker will have a fortnight to regather his troops and fine-tune their skills ahead of finals.

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Get around him: Strathmerton’s Tim Looby. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Top performer: Katandra’s Luke Smith booted six goals on Saturday. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Eyes on the ball: Strathmerton’s Riley Sampson. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Apply the pressure: Katandra’s Mitch McGrath gets a kick away despite the pressure from Strathmerton’s Sam Lewis. Photo by Aydin Payne

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On the move: Strathmerton’s Jake Ellery hunts the ball. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Turn and go: Strathmerton’s Brock Palmer. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Spoil attempt: Strathmerton’s Darcy McCormack flies alongside Katandra’s Fraser Opie. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Move it along: Katandra’s Jack Smith. Photo by Aydin Payne

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Winding up: Katandra’s Nathan White. Photo by Aydin Payne

Around the grounds, Katamatite shifted into fifth spot on the ladder following a hard-fought win over Jerilderie.

The Tigers’ Tom McNeil and Nick Clurey led the way as Katty edged out the Demons by 19 points.

Picola United’s finals hopes suffered a huge blow in the 39-point loss to Deniliquin Rovers.

The loss consigns Picola United to ninth spot on the ladder and out of finals contention for the time being, with a final-round clash against Tungamah the last chance to ensure a spot in September.

“We knew going into it what was on the line, we spoke about it at training throughout the week,” Uniteed coach Darby Walsh said of the side’s finals prospects.

“It’s certainly not impossible and there’s still a bit of belief within the group, and we’re still quite confident that if we are able to get into finals we could genuinely shake things up a little bit.

“It’s just going to mean a big challenge against Tungamah in a fortnight’s time.”

Lastly, Waaia’s Ash Holland was best-afield for the Bombers in the 101-point thumping of Mathoura.

And Tungamah’s Chris Powell had a day out with nine majors in the Bears’ massive 207-point belting of Yarroweyah.