Kats shoot down Bombers in PDFL top-of-the-table clash

The Kats hosted the Bombers at Katandra Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon, with the match evenly poised as both teams look set to go deep into finals this season.

The home side got off to a blistering start, booting four goals to one in the opening term.

The second quarter then played out much like the first, as Katandra’s defence remained frugal, while the Kats’ forwards — led by co-captain Tom Jeffery, who kicked four goals for the match — helped their side jump out to a 28-point lead at half-time.

However, a team such as Waaia was never going to roll over and die quietly as the Bombers burst out of the blocks in the third term, kicking four goals to drag themselves back into the contest.

In the final term, Katandra wrestled back momentum as the Kats extended their lead to 47 points, eventually winning 14.8 (92) to 6.9 (45).

Katandra coach Jason Whittaker was proud of his side’s efforts as he admitted that the Kats have had one eye on the Waaia game for a while now.

“We have been excited to come up against this mob for about a month, I reckon,” he said.

“Just really looked forward to the challenge it might present and it didn’t disappoint as they are a quality side who are strong and contested and have good systems and all that sort of stuff.

“To match that up against our systems and processes and all that sort of thing and to come away with a win was really pleasing.

“(The win) it does give us confidence going forward.”

After the Bombers only kicked two goals in the first half, Whittaker knew that last year’s premiers would come out with a point to prove following the main break.

“They came out after half-time and, as you would expect, threw a fair bit at us and (for us) to be able to hold on while it was tight and they were pushing; to stand up and hold on and not give any ground was good,” he said.

“The ability to continue on in the last part of the third quarter and the last quarter was really pleasing.

“We have been talking about growth and development as a playing group for the last nine months, and this was going to be our test.

“It was more of a mental challenge to see if we were capable of taking that next step if you like.”

In other round eight Picola District Football League matches, Strathmerton defeated Deniliquin Rovers by 30 points away from home.

The Bulldogs were too strong for the Rovers, as the scores finished 8.9 (57) to 12.15 (87).

Strathmerton now has seven wins from seven games.

Tungamah is back on the winners list after it defeated Blighty by 58 points.

Bears forward Cam Nye kicked an equal game-high four goals for the match.

Berrigan has defeated Mathoura in a Picola District League classic, with the Saints walking away with a one-point win at home.

The Saints had a 10-point lead heading into the final quarter and held off a fast-finishing Timbercutters side to claim their fourth win of the season.

Katamatite has continued with its rich vein of form after it defeated Tocumwal by 106 points at home.

The scores finished 22.19 (151) to 7.3 (45), with Tigers forward Mitch Coleman kicking 10 goals.

Picola United has secured its third win for the season with a 46-point victory over Jerilderie.

United forward Cody Haub was busy booting five goals for the match.

Rennie has claimed its first win of the season with a 50-point victory over last-placed Yarroweyah.

In the Picola District Netball League, Katandra secured a three-goal victory over Waaia in a tight encounter at home.

The Kats’ victory means that there is now a two-win gap between fifth (Katandra) and sixth place (Waaia) on the ladder.

Jerilderie has won a thriller at home against Picola United, with the scores finishing 31-30.

Deniliquin Rovers continued itheir undefeated start to the 2024 season by handing Strathmerton its first loss.

The Rovers won the match by eight goals (44-36).

Katamatite secured the biggest win of the round with a 51-13 victory over Tocumwal.

The win leaves Katamatite and Deniliquin Rovers as the only undefeated sides left in the league.

Tungamah has defeated Blighty away from home by 17 goals.

The score finished 33-50 in the Bears’ favour and was Tungamah’s second victory for the season.

Berrigan defeated Mathoura by 20 goals, with the score finishing 34-14.

Meanwhile, the results for the Yarroweyah and Rennie clash were not available at the time of print.