Katandra remains in contention for a Picola and District Football League premiership after an impressive elimination final display on Saturday.
The first of two do-or-die finals held over the weekend, the Kats led Picola United at every change in Jerilderie, running out convincing 16.15 (111) to 7.10 (52) victors.
A best on ground performance headlined the win, with the talented Luke Smith kicking eight goals. However, it was not all smooth sailing.
When the game kicked off neither side could put a hold on the scoreboard, however this soon changed, with Katandra building a 26-point lead at the first break.
This lead was narrowed slightly in the second, before a 42-point-to-one third quarter saw the Kats threaten to blow the result out.
Despite an inspired fourth-quarter performance from United, by the final siren it was clear Katandra was the winner.
Speaking after the game Katandra coach Trent Herbert said it was a pretty good win.
“To come here and have the reserves winning the early game and then us winning was a massive achievement for the club,” Herbert said.
“Obviously we get a week off now and come up against either one or four and hopefully we can keep going and see where the momentum takes us.”
The win sets up a mouthwatering encounter with the loser of of the first qualifying final, with a game against either Tungamah or Katunga on the cards.
“The boys are very excited about it,” Herbert said.
“Obviously we played Tungamah in the second last round and we played Katunga earlier in the year and we beat them so we know that we can sort of beat both sides on our day but it’s going to take a lot of hard work to do that.
“This finals series it’s all even, anyone can win it from anywhere.”
Both Alex and Jack Smith were named in the best players list alongside their brother Luke, while Zane Thorne, Mitch Mcgrath and Corey Hickford all performed well.
“Our leaders stood up,” Herbert said.
“Obviously with Jonty (Wardle) going down in the first five minutes it sort of tested us a bit but it was good to see our leaders stand up in the end.”
Wardle, who went down with an ankle injury, would be a major loss for the side if he does not return.
For Picola it was a difficult day out, however a gallant final term left plenty to be proud of.
Jai Morrison stood out for the side on the day, while Mitch Hore also put in a good shift.
Meanwhile on Sunday Katamatite secured passage to the semi-final, downing Jerilderie by 25 points in Berrigan.
Despite falling to the Demons last week, the Tigers arrived meaning business, coming out of the blocks to lead by 26 points at quarter-time.
Katamatite stayed on top throughout the next two quarters, and while Jerilderie fought back in the final term, it was not enough, with the Tigers winning 14.5 (89) to 9.10 (64).
Sam Wright kicked seven goals for the yellow and black side, while Pat Riordan was named best on ground.
The impressive result sets up an exciting semi-final clash with either Waaia or Strathmerton in Yarroweyah on August 27.