The pair of clubs had both started the season 3-0, setting up an early season blockbuster - a notion evident from the intensity from the first bounce.
Tackling pressure and a scrap around the contest saw just two goals kicked in the opening term, the Kats and Tigers scoring one each, but Katandra had squandered six shots on goal as behinds.
Its accuracy in front of goal lifted as fatigue from a hellbent first term saw defensive control wear off, Katandra kicking three straight to the Tigers’ 2.3 to lead by eight points at half time.
Wayward shots on goal continued to be the theme in the second half, but the visitors would continue to push the lead out further from the reigning premier, leaving Katamatite reeling at three-quarter-time as it faced a 21-point deficit, a mountainous task in the low scoring theme of the game.
While the Tigers responded defensively in the final term, limiting the navy blue side to just three scoring shots, Katamatite faltered in front of goal by kicking 1.5, resulting in a 4.13 (37) to 7.13 (55) loss at the final horn.
Katandra coach Jason Whittaker was rapt with his Kats’ efforts in a scrappy “contest-to-contest” match against a quality opponent.
“It’s always a challenge playing Katty at the best of times, and they were up and about for their past players day,” Whittaker said.
“(The low-scoring) was certainly reflective of the intensity, high pressure and lots of contest-to-contest action in the game.
“We just worked really hard to deny them opportunity and tried to capitalise as best as we could, but it was difficult blustery conditions.”
Mitchell Coleman was the sole multiple goal scorer for Katamatite, while Bailey Whittaker and Henry Wedding both slotted two majors for the Kats.
Elijah Kilmartin was named best on for the Kats, while Toby Kopa was rock solid for the Tigers.
Whittaker lauded Kilmartin, who was recruited to Katandra in the offseason.
“Elijah’s been huge for us, he came in during the offseason as a strong midfielder,” he said.
“He worked tirelessly all day, he went defensive and forward at times but his work through the middle was enormous.”
Katandra play Barooga next week, which Whittaker described as an “intriguing” battle given there’s “not a lot known” about the Hawks as PDL newcomers this season.
Across the league’s landscape, round five saw plenty of thumpings, but a nailbiter between Picola United and Blighty caught the eye.
The Blues were held scoreless in the last term as Blighty rallied from an 18-point three-quarter-time deficit, but kicked five behinds from its seven scoring shots in the last to lose by a point, 8.12 (60) to 9.7 (61).
Meanwhile, Barooga moved to 3-1 on the season with a three-goal victory over Deniliquin, Strathmerton defeated Tocumwal by 16 points and Jerilderie stunned Berrigan to its first loss with a 55-point win.
In the round’s blowouts, Tungamah defeated Katunga by 222, Dookie United prevailed by 116 over Rennie and Waaia washed over Mathoura by 133.
In the netball, Katandra claimed a 14-goal win over the Tigers, while the Picola United clash against Blighty was not as thrilling as the football counterpart, the Blues controlling the game for a 16-59 win.
Dookie United defeated Rennie by 25, Tungamah cruised to a 65-22 win over Katunga, Waaia recorded a 50-15 win over Mathoura, and Barooga slumped to a 30-goal loss to the Deni Rovers.
Tocumwal’s season remains strong with a 12-goal win over Strathmerton, while Jerilderie pinched Berrigan in a four-goal thriller, 59-55.
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