Taking on Tocumwal for four premiership points for the first time in almost a decade, the focus for the Finley thirds was on playing team footy.
The first quarter saw everything going as planned.
Tyler Hall was strong in the ruck whilst Jake Armer and Harry Boyd were on top of their opponents, winning most clearances.
Angus Hay was back home for a game and he was imposing himself on the contest.
Lenny Dattoli kicked the first, and Harvey Sneddon kicked the second.
At quarter time, inaccurate kicking was our only let down for the quarter.
The second quarter saw us straighten up slightly as Riley Sutton’s forward pressure resulted in his first goal and not long after, Jonty King marked strongly before converting.
Isaac Lunn was enjoying a wing role running hard all day between the arcs, allowing Harvey to kick his second.
At half time, Finley were leading 5.7 (37) to Toc 0.1 (1).
The third quarter started as it should have, with two goals to Lenny and one in between to Harry Boyd before complacency set it.
Toc, to their credit, kicked 2.1 in a 10 minute blitz which would have been more if it wasn’t for Tyrell Taylor continuing his dominance down back.
After a strong address at the final break, Finley played team footy again dominating the quarter.
The inaccurate kicking was back however, with 2.4 being kicked as Boyd and King both registering their second.
Final scores: Finely 10.12 (72) def Tocumwal 2.2 (14).
Goals: Lenny Dattoli 3, Harry Boyd 2, Jonty King 2, Harvey Sneddon 2, Riley Sutton.
Best: Isaac Lunn, Harry Boyd, Riley Sutton, Tyrelle Taylor, Harvey Sneddon, Angus Hay.
Awards: Finley RSC - Isaac Lunn; Ross & Sarah - Harry Boyd; Finley Bakery - Riley Sutton; Three Rivers Excavations - Tyrelle Taylor; Kalangadoo Nursery - Harvey Sneddon; Thompson Service Centre - Angus Hay.
In the fourths, Tocumwal jumped out to a three goal lead.
Interceptor Blake Vidler had the ball on a string all day, giving great service to allow the team to claw back and make a game of it.
Darcy Sutton and Ryan Bauer made a change which helped slow the opposition's momentum down with both having rolls to play.
Captain Ben Rourke was great to watch. He played the entire game being roughed up and when he slipped through some man mountains, snapped a goal. You could sense a change in the air.
The boys competed well and never gave up.
We had opportunities to take the lead and I'm very sure Tocumwal were sweating bullets.
The siren went and we came so agonising close again.
Final scores: Tocumwal 4.1 (25) def Finley 3.4 (22).
Goals: Pat Billings, Ben Rourke, Lincoln Cicolini.
Best: Blake Vidler, Pat Billings, Campbell Reynolds, Benjamin Rourke, Ryan Bauer, Flynn Rourke.
Awards: Finley RSC - Blake Vidler; Finley Bakery - Pat Billings; Kalangadoo Nursery - Campbell Reynolds; Bauer Family - Ben Rourke; Sportspower Coach’s Award - Callum Tanner; Lucas McCaw - Ryan Bauer.