Cats go down to Yass

A slow start in a tough, physical encounter saw the Cooma Cats suffer their first loss for the 2010 season against the Yass Roos in Yass on Saturday (24 Apr).
The Roos run out comfortable winners 14-15-99 to the Cats 5-3-33 in wet, slow conditions.
While the Cats were brimming with confidence after their great start to the season, the Roos were coming off two straight losses and playing their first game at their new home ground. They quickly stamped their authority on the game, and all led the way from the opening bounce with six quick unanswered goals.
However, the Cats were able to regroup with two goals of their own just before the end of the first quarter to keep the door slightly open.
Cats’ Club president Dave Paterson said the poor start in the first quarter set the tone for the day, with the Cats having to play catch up football for the remainder of the match.
“You just can’t let your opposition open up a six goal lead in the first quarter – especially in wet conditions – and hope to win the game,” Dave said.
But building on their two quick goals before the end of the first quarter, the Cats came out for the second determined to chip away at the Roos and get back into the game.
“To their credit, the boys switched on and managed to keep pace with the Roos in the second quarter with both sides kicking two goals each,” Dave said.
But the gap proved too difficult to close, and the Roos’ physical presence on the field kept the Cats off balance as they struggled to win possession in a bruising encounter.
“We found it difficult to win the ball at the centre bounce and then to get the ball clear of the midfield,” Dave said.
“The Roos simply dominated the midfield and were continually clearing the ball quickly down to their forwards.
“We couldn’t seem to win the important centre ball, and then when we did, our disposal would let us down,” he said.
While the task of catching the Roos was always going to be difficult, the Cats never gave up the chase – a characteristic exemplified by a Cats’ rushed goal on the final siren.
But despite the loss, there were many positives for the Cats as they continue their renewal as a strong community footy club, both on and off the field.
Dave paid tribute to the Cats’ backline which battled hard all day under considerable pressure.
“Vice Captain Jimmy Russell put in another great performance leading the Cats’ defence with his constant guidance and example,” he said.
Stuart Wood and Rob Stapleton were also strong in defence.
Elsewhere on the field, Mal Peterson on the wing, Captain Damien Bourke in the centre and Tony Fleming playing in the centre corridor worked hard all day.
Dave said while the result was not what the Cats were after, there were some good signs to come out of the game.
“We had two players make their AFL debuts today, Mal Green and Selwyn Bale,” Dave said.
“Having these guys making their debuts is a great sign of the growing depth we have in the club.
“We had a number of senior players unavailable today which gave these blokes a chance to step up, which they both did well.
“In recent years, we’ve struggled with numbers, but while we always have the door open for anyone who wants to come and play AFL footy, we are building a pretty good-size squad which is great to see,” Dave said.
Looking ahead to next week’s game against the Harman Hogs in Canberra, the Cats will need to work hard on their disposal and centre clearances.
“Harman are another tough side and are always difficult at their home ground, so we’ll be doing some pretty hard work on the training track this week to swing the momentum back our way,” Dave said.
Cats’ goal kickers: Damian Asanovski 2, and one each to Dave Maxwell, Tony Fleming and Shaun Allen.
Cats’ best: Jimmy Russell, Mal Paterson, Stuart Wood, Tony Fleming, Dave Maxwell and Rob Stapleton.
A video match report is available on YouTube.