Hay Lions turn it on late to hold off the Bombers - Round 9 Golden Rivers AFL League

By Hay Lions AFL & Netball Club

The Wandella Bombers came out firing in round 9 of Golden Rivers taking it up to the Hay Lions for the entire match. In a tight contest where the lead constantly changed, it came down to clutch moments for Hay to run out eventual winners.

Though plenty of inside 50 entries presented in the first quarter, Hay failed to kick any goals, notching up their lowest opening score of the season, from just three behinds.

With equal opportunities presented for both teams, the Bombers were more productive, converting two into majors giving them a 10-point lead at the first break.

The Lions were out of the blocks early in the second, with Paddy Jubb kicking the first goal to close the gap.

Two in a row through the reliable boot of Ferg Cattanach showed Hay had found their rhythm. Costly turnovers saw the scoreboard see saw, until Cooper Scott swung things back in Hay’s favour, nailing a superb long-range set shot at the top of the fifty after the siren to snatch a one-point lead.

The third quarter was another lean affair for the Lions, with opportunities scarce and goals hard to come by. Turnovers across the halfback line could have proved costly, however the Bombers let themselves down with inaccuracy in front of goals.

Recording a 2:5 return from multiple entries let the Lions off the hook. Jack Cattanach was the lone scoreboard soldier for Hay, roving superbly to a quick thinking tap on from Ferg Cattanach, snapping cleanly off his left through the middle of the posts.

Down by seven points at the start of the last, the Lions were desperate for early scoreboard pressure.

On the end of a Cattanach/Headon handball link, perfectly positioned at the bottom of the square, Dan Jamieson delivered exactly what the Lions ordered, slotting the opening goal.

Two direct kicks straight up the corridor into the fifty saw Headon scoop up a ground ball to run into an open goal. Two in a row and Hay were back in front.

This lead change was closely followed by another lead change back in the Bombers favour, and the Lions had to change the script.

Enter the clutch moment of the match. With grit in bucket loads, Jack Cattanach individually changed the course of the game.

With two consecutive goals in a matter of minutes, the Lions found themselves with the biggest lead of the game, eventually running out winners by seven points, successfully holding off a late surge by Wandella.

In a tough and tight game, the Lions were exposed on turnover with the Bombers often transitioning unchallenged. Overusing the ball and missing targets could have proved more costly but fortunately the Lions found a way to overcome opposition pressure that never wavered.

When Hay straightened up and kicked long after three quarter time it simplified the game, and it worked. With several key players out, this was a gutsy win.

Coaches top six

Ferg Cattanach was everywhere. Tough at the contest, his defensive pressure was unrelenting and his offensive input was first class.

Involved in most of the ball movement chains, Ferg was highly influential on the outcome and the deserved best on recipient.

Daniel Stewart played a complete game. His intensity was high and never wavered over. His work rate and ball use were elite, consistently hitting targets and applying defensive pressure.

Jack Cattanach played with a tight tag and worked his man into the ground. Elite in all facets of the game, ‘Catta’ broke the game open Hay needed it.

Cooper Scott continued his excellent form and hard work adding the flashy stuff on the outside. His goal after the siren was pivotal.

Workhorse warrior Dean Aylett retained his intensity when others were flat. Super evasive, his offensive pressure and tackling were excellent. When the game needed to be taken on, Hulk put his hand up.

Dyl Collis was a class above, finding the ball at will while applying the highest level of physical pressure. Loaded with footy smarts, tough and damaging, Collis was a key player in Hay’s grinding win.

Final score: Hay 9:11-65 defeated Wandella 8:10-58

Goals: Jack Cattanach 3 Jack Headon 2 Dan Jamieson, Paddy Jubb, Ferg Cattanach, Cooper Scott.