Katunga’s finals ambitions may be washed, but the Swans’ attitude turned to a new focus — spoiling oppositions seasons.
Two rounds ago the Swans made fifth-placed Deniliquin work for its four premiership points in a 14-point defeat, while they’ll likely embrace the opportunity to try and ruin Waaia’s perfect season in the final round of the year.
On Saturday, the 5-10 side had its best attempt yet at sending shockwaves through a top eight side’s system, but ultimately, the Blues had the last laugh and came out on top.
A tight contest for its entirety, the margin at each quarter’s break was never more than seven points as the Blues kept Katunga within a sniff after wasting opportunities in front of goal.
While quarter-time’s scoreline 2.4 (16) was not eye-catching inaccuracy, Picola’s following two scorecards of 3.8 (26) and 4.11 (35) highlighted the continual decline in scoring efficiency, as Katunga remained fairly accurate, albeit was not able to score as regularly.
While a more accurate display would have dispatched Katunga earlier, the plentiful behinds came in handy by the final siren.
Katunga snagged three final-term goals to reach 48 on the scoreboard and would hold the wood over Picola for most goals kicked in the match.
However, while the Blues kicked one less major on the day, their 15 behinds produced a winning score, banking a spot in finals with a 6.15 (51) to 7.6 (48) result.
Picola United’s thrilling victory was the only close margin for the round, as the top eight sides continue to finish the season off strong.
Jerilderie thrashed Blighty by 92, Katamatite trounced Tungamah by 121 and Berrigan dispatched Rennie by 115.
Deniliquin Rovers held Mathoura to 11 points in their 169-point romping, while Katandra rebounded from the previous week’s loss to win by 88 over Dookie United.
Waaia defeated Strathmerton by 66, ending the Bulldogs’ slim finals aspirations.
In the netball, Strathmerton ascended into the top eight following a tense four-goal victory over the Bombers.
Blighty fell two goals short of its first win of the season against Jerilderie, losing 48-46, while Rennie remains in the finals hunt after a 49-42 victory over Berrigan.
Katandra defeated Dookie United by 18, Deniliquin held Mathoura to eight goals in a landslide 61-goal result, while Katamatite secured an early finals preview win over Tungamah, 54-40.
Lastly, Katunga is snapping at the heels of a top two finish after comfortably putting away Picola United by 15 goals, with a blockbuster top-four clash between Katandra and Katamatite this weekend likely to determine the Swans’ ladder position, should they defeat 10th-placed Waaia.
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