WOOMELANG Lascelles may have just guaranteed itself a final four finish with a resounding 77-point thumping of Jeparit Rainbow.
The first quarter was even, but the Cats charged out of the blocks at quarter time to quickly stamp their authority on the game with a seven goal to nil second term.
The Cats have a two game and healthy percentage buffer over Ouyen United, the only other side who can displace them from their first crack at finals football in a long time.
The first quarter was tight, but after that the game opened up and Woomelang Lascelles was able to get on top.
From the outset, a strong wind was blowing across the ground to the outer flank, slightly favouring the netball court end.
Jeparit Rainbow once again entered the game missing several key players, but they made their presence felt early and stood up well in the first quarter.
Woomelang Lascelles dominated the second quarter, reducing the opposition to a mistake-ridden rabble in the blink of an eye.
It was a very poor quarter from the Lakers with numerous mistakes, poor decision making and poor kicking.
After half time the Jeparit Rainbow players picked up and played with much more desire.
Unfortunately for the Lakers, their good play was not reflected on the scoreboard.
Woomelang Lascelles were on top in the final quarter and held the Lakers scoreless.
If the Cats can just get close to the Blues and the Roos in the final two games, a semi-final is theirs for the taking.
Tigers def Devils
SEA Lake Nandaly Tigers had an emphatic 64-point victory over Hopetoun at Culgoa in very windy conditions.
This win just about seals the double chance for the Tigers.
Even if they go down to the Blues in the final match of the season, a good win over the Lakers next week should assure them of at least second spot on the ladder.
In a tight tussle the Tigers eventually broke away for a good win.
The Tigers started well with the aid of the breeze, kicking eight goals to two.
However, the second quarter belonged to the Devils as they sliced the deficit to 16 points at half time.
In the end, it was the polished finishing from the Tigers that was the difference between the two sides and is indicative of just why they are a top two or three side.
The second half belonged to the Tigers as they really got going, outscoring the Devils to the tune of 10 goals to three.
The last quarter was a wet slog which may have had the farmers in the crowd smiling, but the Hopetoun players would have been looking for the showers.
Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers must win next week against Jeparit Rainbow in order to secure the double chance.
Hopetoun have their final game for the season at home against Ouyen United.
Roos def Blues
ALL season Walpeup Underbool has been asked the question of whether or not they can go back to back after their outstanding 2012 premiership year.
The answer has alternated throughout the year with their results.
A string of injuries and player unavailability, losses to the likes of Woomelang Lascelles, Beulah and Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers (twice) gave voice to those who believe the Roos might have had their day.
But on Saturday against competition leader Beulah, the answer appeared to be a resounding yes as the Roos opened up the top of the MFL ladder with an eight point win over the Blues.
Beulah scored the all-important first goal in the final term as the rain began to fall.
The slippery conditions made ball handling difficult as the Blues continued to attack.
Walpeup Underbool was required to dig deep, defending hard at every contest.
Beulah managed to scramble a late goal and there were only two kicks in it by the time the final siren went to a terrific game of football.
Led by Kane Munro and Jeremy Brown, Walpeup Underbool’s backline performed well.
Tyler Lehman had a very good game for the Blues in the midfield.
Tim McIntosh played well and Bradley Shannon was a good contributor.
The supporters of both clubs have been treated to some great competition between the sides this year.
Presumably they will meet over the finals series when we can expect to see another hard fought encounter.
