Our very young junior cats faced up against the big and more experienced Warner Bay Bulldogs last Sunday at Weeraman. From first bounce our team put 100 percent effort into their play but battled to move the ball freely down the field. The Bulldogs charged forward adding to the scoreboard consistently throughout the whole game.
The under 13’s rallied with some great play in the second quarter kicking 2 goals in quick succession showing the great potential for success in future games.
Our young Cats can hold their heads high knowing they never gave up until the end siren. Coach’s comment: Coach “Bullet” praised the team captain Darcy Saunders who played a fantastic game with support from Wally Pankhurst who did not stop running throughout the entire game. Coach was very happy with how Flynn Wilton Howarth played taking a huge step up into the position of Ruck. Player in Focus: Darcy Saunders
Our U15 Blue team ran on to play against an undefeated Maitland. After 3 rounds of missing players we felt stronger with fielding our full team. From first bounce the Cats were looking very confident in their play moving the ball quickly down the field putting points on the boards from first bounce and leaving Maitland standing flat footed. Our Cats played hard the entire game with Sam Heaton kicking a mighty 6 goals backed up by the strong defence of Josh Page, Toby McInnes, Will Cannon working hard to move the ball through the centre and big Toby D doing his job in the ruck. The Under 15’s Blue Cats powered through to our first win of the season, 13.16-94 to 3.5-23.
The boys sang our club song loud and proud. Coach’s comment: A sensational effort by the whole team. The boys in the backline were the foundation of the team’s win, only allowing 3 goals through for the entire game. Our mid fielders dominated play which contributed to the success of the front line, adding points to the board. I’m very proud of how all our boys played. Player in Focus: Sam Heaton
U15’s White travelled to the No1 Sportsground to take on Newcastle City Blue. With City combining with a Warners Bay in the off season, this was always going to be a tough match for the Cats. City started strong moving the ball around well. Early goals went to the Blues with the Cats scrambling well to limit the damage. The Cats found their feet early in the second quarter, having a brief period dominating filed position. Campbell Schmeirer put successive behinds on the board to open the scoring for the Cats. The City players regrouped and again took charge of the match having a commanding half time lead 10.4-64 to 0.2-2. Strong performances from Jo Shaw and Annan Snewin round centre field and back pocket ensured the Cats made their presence felt on the field if not on the scoreboard. Coach Mick Smith will ensure the players take the positives from the match and will continue to mould this mix of new and seasoned players into an exciting outfit.
The Muswellbrook Cats U/17 AFL side suffered their second defeat of the season going down to Warners Bay by 58 points playing at home for the first time this season. The Cats once again let their opponents take a grip on the game in the first quarter. The Cats were very slow out of the blocks and Warners Bay made them pay kicking 7 first quarter goals. With a slight wind advantage the Cats rallied in the second quarter. Tristan Warner moved to centre half back and his strong marking and attack on the ball provided a springboard for many attacks. Hard running Jake Parker and Beau Harris found plenty of the ball and up forward James Howard marked strongly finishing the quarter with 2 goals. Despite dominating the quarter the Cats wasted many opportunities to trail at half time.
The Cats battled the game out in the second half. Jack Wilson was solid all day and Sam Bates battled valiantly. Ruckman Nick Warburton responded strongly when challenged by the coach. Despite going down by 58 points the Cats once again showed they can match it with anyone but not yet for 4 quarters.
Final Score Warners Bay 15 8 98 def Muswellbrook 5.10 40
Best Players - Tristan Warner, Jack Wilson, Beau Harris, James Howard.
Goals - James Howard 2, Jake Parker 1, Beau Harris 1, Mason Solly 1.
Congratulations to Beau Harris, Tristan Warner and Taylor Pryor who were selected in the U/17 rep squad, also to the boys named in other age group rep squads. The large number of junior representative players coming from the club is a credit to the coaches, committee and helpers.
After a rainy week across the Hunter the Cats game was moved from Warners Bay to tropical Nelsons Bay. The Cats did not have the best start to the day with most of the team driving straight past the oval but the good thing was the day only improved. Tom Cartwright moved into the side for an absent Irishman and positions adjusted around the ruck with Ben “The monster” Sawkins doing the jumping. The Cats got off to their best start this season defensively with a first quarter shut out and with the bulldogs going in at halftime with only 3 points on the board the Cats where in a good position but the coach wanted more.
The cats continued their efforts and the big red man moved into the centre of the paddock to take over the rucking duties. The Cats finished the day victors 15.19.109 – 2.5.17. This is the Cats third win in a row and all on the road I might add. Tate Barry, Ken Garland and Courageous Jono Williams all scored 3 goals apiece. Best on ground was Jackson Bower, Jedd Stojakovic, Ben Sawkins, Adam Griffiths, Tate Barry and Cameron Benkovic. Jedd Took out a well-deserved players player award.
This Sunday the U13's, 15 Blue and the 17's play City Blue at No1 Sportsground while 15 White are at home against Nelson Bay. The senior Cats have a well earned bye.
Picture 1 – Ky McGrath (U15 Blue) reaching high for the ball,
Picture 2 – Flynn Wilton-Howarth (U13’s) running the ball forward,
Picture 3 – Annan Snewin (U15 White) contesting for the ball,
Picture 4 – Ryan Middleton (U15 White) tying up the opposition,
Picture 5 – Bailey Sturzaker (U15 White) heading up field.
Last Modified on 27/05/2015 07:34