THE A Reserve Cats pulled out all the stops at the weekend, taking home an outstanding win over East Gambier at McDonald Park.

Sitting second on the ladder and with twice as many wins on the boards as the Cats in 2022, East was the match-day favourite on paper, but the visitors kept the Dogs at bay for a morale-boosting six-goal win.

The Cats’ A Graders struggled against the Bulldogs at the weekend but can take heart that once again, they posted their highest score and lowest margin against the reigning premiers.

From the scribes …

15 & Under A

THE 15As played in a tight battle against East Gambier in a scrappy game which led to the girls losing by seven goals

A quick start from the girls put them in a strong position for the first half.

A strong game from the defensive end of Sarah Richardson, Matilda Thompson, Amelia Luers and Caitlyn Gorman worked tirelessly to deny their opponents ball, working overtime to come up with turnover ball as well as transition it into attack.

Indi Longhurst was as reliable as ever by controlling the court from the centre as well providing accurate feeding into goalies Olivia Nolte and Chelsea Holm, as well as applying plenty of deflections and intercepts throughout the game.

Nolte and Hulm had to work for every ball that was delivered to them, a very tight defensive end from the dogs proved difficult to get the ball to them but were able to convert at goal when needed.

Changes were made at half time and with a new look line up can a new-found intensity.

The girls lifted in the third term and went into the last quarter but were unable to continue on in the last quarter. 

Unfortunately, a strong last quarter from the dogs saw them jump ahead in the last minutes of the game and come away with the win.

Again, the girls showed plenty of promise throughout the game but also showed areas that they will be looking to improve on in the coming weeks.

A Grade

THE reigning premiers are starting to look ominous as they build towards the 2022 finals.

Missing key defender Bo Creek, star mid-courter Emily Hunter and in-form goaler Sarah Lock, the Bulldogs were dominant in their victory over Casterton Sandford, setting the tone with an 18 to three opening quarter and never taking their foot off the pedal.

Led by consistent mid-courter Tarsh McCallum, with Teagan Gray taking the goal attack bib, experienced mid-courter Brooke Hicks on the attacking wing and Sharna McKinnon filling the defensive role, the Bulldogs were never troubled.

The Cats did hit back hard in the second, winning the quarter by two, but it was one-way traffic again in the second half, with McCallum finding great connection with Amryn Bosko, who finished accurately, netting 44 from 50 in a stunning display of composure.

Talented junior Indi Dwyer earned her A Grade debut in the final quarter, taking the wing defence bib as Tyne Bosko moved to centre and McCallum took her preferred wing attack role and the teenager acquitted herself well in her first taste of senior action.

Scarlett Jarrad was again the Cats’ best with her hard, two-way running, while Madalene Cleary worked over time at goal attack despite the lack of supply in terms of scoring opportunities.

Morgan Amy enjoyed a rare run at goal defence and combining with Tyne Bosko and McKinnon, there were plenty of turnovers created as East continued building momentum as the Bulldogs look to maintain their spot in the top four and a shot at back-to-back titles.