Conditions were seemingly perfect for football, despite overnight rain which left the ground somewhat slippery underfoot.
The opening quarter was a tough, hard-fought contest, with plenty of contested possessions and limited scoring opportunities. At the first siren, the scores were locked in a stalemate.
The second term followed a similar pattern, with neither side willing to give an inch. Despite the slippery conditions, Finley, led on the field by assistant coach Jordan Daniel, held their own against the experienced Moama outfit.
The match was paused for 40 minutes following a serious leg injury to a Moama player, with half-time taken early as medical staff and concerned supporters awaited the arrival of an ambulance.
After the break, Moama came out strong in the third quarter, slotting two goals to Finley’s one. Dan O’Bryan, Isaac Lunn and Mitch Carson were instrumental in driving the Cats forward and keeping them in the contest, while Moama’s Liam Barrett, Jack Barrett and Blake Evans continued to make key contributions for the Mowers.
The final term was played at a frenetic pace, with Finley creating several chances but unable to convert on the scoreboard. Moama capitalised with a late goal to seal a hard-fought 15-point victory.
Despite the loss, the Cats are building a young and enthusiastic team that promises a bright future. They’ll look to bounce back this week when they take on Nathalia at home.
Final scores: Finley 4.6 (30) lost to Moama 6.9 (45)
Goals: Mitch Carson 2, Jordan Sykes 1, Airi Wolff 1
Best Players: Jordan Daniel, Mitch Carson, Dan O’Bryan, Isaac Lunn, Lachy Hawkins, Airi Wolff
Awards: Jordan Daniel, Dan O’Bryan, Mitch Carson, Lachy Hawkins, Robbie Hamann
Reserves:
The Finley reserves went down in a hard-fought contest, but the team showed incredible heart with every player giving their all until the final siren.
Cam Isedale was a standout, taking many intercept marks and proving to be a wall in defence. Brothers Lachy and Hamish Kerr were outstanding, relentlessly attacking the ball and setting the tone for the team with their physicality.
Josh Everingham made a strong return in his first game of the year, working tirelessly up and down the wing and capping it off with a brilliant goal. Hopefully, we can keep him for the rest of the year!
Harry Haynes led by example once again, laying a mountain of tackles and inspiring his teammates with his defensive pressure.
Kade Pyle brought great intent to every contest, making his presence felt with strong tackling and impact. Newcomers Will Maslin and Harry Manifold impressed in their debut games for the club, showing plenty of promise and composure under pressure.
A great team effort despite the result. Plenty to build on as the season continues.
Final scores: Finley 3.5 (23) lost to Moama 16.11 (107)
Goals: James Kennedy 1, Lachy Kerr 1, Josh Everingham 1
Best Players: Cameron Isedale, Josh Everingham, Kade Pyle, Lachy Kerr, Harry Haynes, Will Maslin.
Awards: Cameron Isedale, Josh Everingham, Kade Pyle, Lachy Kerr, Harry Haynes
Thirds:
The thirds headed to Moama undermanned this week with boys back at boarding school and some unavailable with school holidays. The side started slowly, which is something that needs to be addressed.
Tom White and Jeremy Doolan battled hard all game between the ruck and defence. Darcy Sutton took a few good contested marks which he has been working on at training, which was pleasing and tried hard all game. Big brother Cooper Sutton, Blake Vidler and Harry Daniel played their usual hardworking game and never gave in.
Captain Elijah Everingham at full back gave away a foot in height on his opponent but didn’t give him an inch, which is a feature of his game.
Unfortunately, the young Cats were no match for a superior team that will go deep into finals, and would like to thank Moama for allowing us to play 16 a side.
It will be a huge game this week against Nathalia.
Final scores: Finley 0.0 (0) lost to Moama 21.16 (142)
Best Players: Darcy Sutton, Elijah Everingham, Blake Vidler, Josh Monteath, Tom White, Jeremy Doolan
Awards: Darcy Sutton, Elijah Everingham, Blake Vidler, Josh Monteath, Tom White.
Fourths:
It was a tough contest against Moama.
Noah Brindley used his run and carry to our advantage, and Angus Urquhart showed passion for all four quarters. Everyone played a role despite the result.
Final scores: Finley 0.3 (3) lost to Moama 5.9 (39).
Best players: Noah Brindley, Angus Urquhart, Jed Flanagan, Samuel Hay, Josiah Everingham.
Awards: Noah Brindley, Josiah Everingham, Samuel Hay, Angus Urquhart, Jed Flanagan.
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