Katandra has starved off a relentless Deniliquin Rovers outfit to progress through to the third week of Picola District Football Netball League finals action while Katamatite has been knocked out.
The Kats were unable to shake the Rovers at Berrigan Recreation Reserve in the first elimination final and it wasn’t until a stirring five-goal final term helped seal the 16.10 (106) to 12.7 (79) win.
In a physically-draining affair, gun onballer Luke Smith shined bright with four majors, despite a heavy tag from Rovers’ best afield Brady Trotman, while fellow midfielders Zane Thorne and Mitch McGrath were influential along with Brody and Zach Wild.
Katandra coach Jason Whittaker was proud of his outfit for holding out against the Rovers in a hard-fought contest.
“It was a really hard-fought and contested game of footy,” he said.
“It was an arm wrestle all day.
“It was really indicative of what finals football is really about.
“It was a terrific contest; really difficult for both sides to get on top and both sides lost players which impacted the pace of the game.
“A real credit to our boys for the way they held on and toughed it out.
“It was really pleasing.”
Ruckman Joel Costa gave terrific service to the onball brigade of Smith, McGrath and co and earned the praise of Whittaker.
The Kats mentor was thrilled with his onballers and defensive unit in the memorable first week of finals victory.
“Luke was sensational,” he said.
“He was heavily tagged, I thought Brady actually did a good job, but Luke was still able to kick four goals which says a lot about his game.
“Joel was fantastic in the ruck, Zane and Mitch provided good run as well.”
Katandra will now come up against the loser of the qualifying final clash between Waaia and Katunga in the first semi-final in a fortnight.
Katamatite’s season came to a disappointing end following its heavy loss to Jerilderie.
The Tigers started better of the two sides and led at quarter-time, yet they conceded 17 goals after the first break as the Demons cruised to a resounding 17.6 (108) to 8.7 (55) win.
Over on the netball courts, Strathmerton knocked out Tungamah from the finals race with a 41-35 triumph on Saturday.
Katunga was the next team to progress through to the semi-final weekend with a 43-26 triumph over Yarroweyah.