The U13 Cats took on the Singleton Roosters at Rose Point Park in Singleton on Mother’s Day. Both sides taking on the tricky windy conditions. The young cats went down by 46 points. Young Jack Mullane putting in a solid effort in the forward lines for the Cats. Brothers Cameron and Darcy Saunders both put in great efforts all round for the Cats taking each away teams best alongside Ellynor Vuloaloa and Noah McGrath. Coach Steve Mullane said the boys are improving as a team and the score will come with experience.
The U15 Blues Cats were also at Singleton against the newly formed team of Singleton/Lake Macquarie. The Blues were short on number’s missing key players which left a gap in the centre and front line. Stepping up to help out was Jack Mullane and Flynn Wilton Howarth from our U13’s team. The opposition started well taking the lead with a fast running game adding quickly to their score. In great team spirit our young Cats were steadfast in their pursuit of the ball but unable to convert their efforts into points on the board. Ky McGrath and Reilly Warner in their usual style covered the whole field supporting their team mates whilst Josh Page played a hard and tough defensive game. Our back line players, Oscar Bates and Kaylub Howe played well by fending off the ever approaching ball. Our junior Cats have much to learn from this tough defeat and will come back together during this week’s training sessions ready to take on our brother team the U15’s White in next week contest at our home ground Weeraman Field. Coach’s Paul Heaton commented, it was a tough day at the office for the 15’s blue. Missing a few established players I was proud of the way the boys fought it out against a strong opposition. The boys will learn a lot from the game and come out stronger for it. A Special mention to Flynn and Jack playing up from the 13’s.
The U15 White Cats played away against the Port Stephens Power. A windy field at Medowie greeted the players which would prove challenging to both sides. The Cats had the benefit of the wind in the first quarter and dominated field position from the start. After several behinds, Cats put the first major on the board. Solid lead up work from centre field by Jeremy Smith allowed the points to come off the boots of Flynn Warwick and Daniel Millard. The Cats went to the first break with a handy 4.3-27 to 1.2-8 lead. Playing with the wind, the Power regrouped, having the better of the field position and closed the gap slightly. Solid defence from Ryan Middleton and Eathan Martin at the back blunted the Powers scoring opportunities. In the third term, with the wind again behind them, the Cats kept the scoreboard busy with Flynn Warwick and Bailey Sturzaker putting majors on the board off good lead up work from Kye Reynolds. A winning margin was looking in the bag. The last quarter the Cats were scoreless but again their defence severely limited Powers scoring efforts and the Cats had a comfortable victory, 9.12-66 to 4.11-35.
The Cats U/17 side opened its season with a 71 point loss to Cardiff, but surprisingly given the lop sided score the Cats pushed Cardiff for much of the game. Kicking with a strong breeze Cardiff jumped the Cats in the first quarter kicking 9 unanswered goals. The quarter time break gave the Cats a chance to re-focus their game plan. In the second quarter the Cats came out full of running. On ballers Beau Harris and Jake Parker found plenty of ball, both kicking goals. Up forward Tristian Warner and James Howard started holding their marks and creating scoring opportunities. Defenders Jack Wilson and Taylor Pryor used strong running to create opportunities further up field. Both teams finished the quarter with 5 goals, and although 60 points down the Cats showed they were ready to play. The second half was an even affair, with Ryan Paige doing a strong tagging role on one of the leagues strongest on ballers, the Cats were right in the contest. Sam Bates, Mason Solly and Nick Warburton along with other team mates started to find the ball and the Cats although behind on the scoreboard looked dangerous. Overall the entire team lifted after quarter time but the game is one of four quarters and the damage was done in the first quarter. Cardiff ran out winners 20.12 132 to the Cats 9 7 61. Coaches Best, Harris, Paige, Parker, Wilson and Pryor. Goals: Wilson 2, Parker 2, Harris 2, Warner 1, Howard 1, Cargill 1.
The Senior Cats recorded their first win of the season after travelling down early in the morning to Killarney Vale. With new head coach Scotty absent it was up to Ass Coach Troy Garling to take the helm and he did so with conviction. With the early start many of the Cats where taking cat naps on the bus trip down but quickly woke up and sprang into action at the first bounce. With a slow start the Cats where leading at quarter time 24 – 15 but after a rev up from ass coach Troy Garling they bolted and by the final siren were up 153 – 36. In an all-round effort no players could be faulted for their efforts on the day and showed that they had really come together. The Cats new recruit Adam Higham and Cats faithful Ken ‘The Boss” Garland both had great days kicking 6 apiece. Rookie Brad Barnett played his socks off and had hands down his best game to date as well as second year player Matt Thomas. There were duel recipients of Players Player with Ben Sawkins and Ken Garland taking the honours. Best of ground were Jackson Bower, Pat Morton, Matt Thomas, Brad Barnett, Jono Williams and Michael Duck.
This Sunday the U13’s have a bye, the U15’s is a home affair with the Blues taking on the Whites at Weeraman. The U17s play the Maitland Saints at Maitland and the Seniors travel to Singleton to play the Singleton Roosters.
Picture 1 – Campbell Schmierer getting the ball away
Picture 2 - Cats Winning Team Round 4
Last Modified on 13/05/2015 07:26