By Davyd Reid
NEERIM-NEERIM SOUTH established itself as leader of the Ellinbank District football pack, kicking away in the second half to overcome a determined Trafalgar to maintain its unbeaten record.
With the Bloods still having about half a dozen players missing from its best side, young players recently introduced to senior level such as Dylan Gauci and Angus Templeton helped the Bloods to a gallant effort.
But the Cats were simply too strong across the ground, winning 9-12 (66) to 5-2 (32) to move two games clear at the top of the table.
It was Trafalgar to score first through Matthew Swenson in an impressive start from the visitor.
Defending Cats key position players Chris Urie and Lachlan Bambridge, along with limiting their opportunities from the likes of Kody Wilson and Isaac Fuller, would prove instrumental in keeping the Bloods in the contest.
Connor Noonan, who played game number 100 recently, and Daniel Puglia stood up with the Bloods employing a team defence.
With Keegan Tullett also standing up in the backline, an early occasion saw Bambridge opposed to three for a forward foray.
The Cats kicked into gear late in the first term, Urie converting from a hold and Luke Kinder kicking true from a snap for two goals in a minute to win back the lead.
Trafalgar began the second quarter playing more direct, opening an opportunity for Karl Mutke to convert from point black range to close the gap.
The home side would again respond with consecutive goals, Tyssen Morrow putting in his effort for goal of the day honours before Nick Caddy was rewarded for front position in the contest.
A 50-metre penalty gifted Blake Radford a goal to keep the persistent Bloods in touch.
While Urie began celebrating a snap deep into the second term, the free kick was brought back to Noonan as the Cats entered the sheds leading by just nine-points.
A strong third quarter set up the result for the home side, booting three goals while keeping the Bloods scoreless to open a handy buffer. The likes of Dean Stringer, Josh White and Brock Dorling were key in limiting the visitors.
While Bambridge continued to be a target it was other avenues to goal. Cooper Clancy scored first and the dangerous Fuller snapped for goal before a handpass set up Kinder from 30 metres to finish the work.
Trafalgar tried its best to ignite the contest early in the final term, Dylan Farrell converting from 50 metres before a miraculous attempt off hands deep in the square from Mitch Virtue just missed.
Hardy Kenny had put in a good job to hold Bambridge but the key forward finally grabbed his chance, taking a strong mark to kick the Cats clear.
Kinder put the icing on the cake, converting from 40 metres for his third, before Klay Butler was rewarded for his strong effort with a late consolation goal for the Bloods.