Leading at every break, and weathering multiple surges from the reigning champs, the Bulldogs claimed a 9.10 (64) to 6.11 (47) victory at Strathmerton Recreation Reserve, condemning the Tigers to a second straight loss in the process.
From the opening whistle it looked to be the Bulldogs’ day, as they slammed through four first-quarter goals to lead 4.3 (27) to 2.2 (14) at the first break.
But the Tigers lifted the cup for a reason last year, and the inevitable fightback came following the coaches’ address at quarter time, as Katamatite closed the gap back to eight points by the main break following a two-goal-to-one second term.
Strathmerton still led 5.5 (35) to 4.3 (27) as the second half began, though, and perhaps sniffing an upset, produced a magical third term that created a definitive gap between the two sides.
The difference came down to accuracy, as the Bulldogs booted 3.2 for the term, but applied enough pressure to cause some wayward kicking from Katamatite, the visitors mustering just four behinds, as the lead grew to a game-high 24 points at the final change.
With a quarter to play, Strathmerton just had to hang on, and that they did, surviving a late Tigers charge that yielded 2.4 and booting 1.3 of their own to claim the 17-point victory.
Thomas Corso led the way for the Bulldogs as best on ground, closely followed by Tyler Stephens and Tarrynt Neville, while Harrison Barnes, Keegan Oliver and Ned Higgins were all influential.
Layne Baker and Jonathan Pearson led the scoring with three goals each, while Brandon Duckworth, Adrian Crestiani and Sebastian Fotia managed one apiece.
For Katamatite, James Beilby continued his fine form to again be named the Tigers’ best, while Mitch Coleman and Will Gorman both slotted two majors.
The win is a big step for a Strathmerton side that finished ninth to miss finals last season with an 8-8 record, improving their position on the ladder to fourth at the end of round six with four wins and a loss from their five games, while Katamatite drops to eighth with a 3-2 record.
Elsewhere around the league, Waaia delivered the biggest win of the round with a crushing 27.16 (178) to 2.4 (16) victory over Blighty, while Tocumwal dismantled Katunga 26.21 (177) to 1.4 (10).
Dookie United also enjoyed a dominant afternoon, defeating Mathoura 20.10 (130) to 3.5 (23), while Tungamah accounted for Rennie 21.19 (145) to 10.2 (62).
Deniliquin Rovers defeated Berrigan 14.12 (96) to 11.12 (78), Jerilderie edged Picola United 10.8 (68) to 8.7 (55), and Katandra maintained its unbeaten start with a 16.5 (101) to 11.6 (72) victory.
Meanwhile, in the Picola District Netball League, Katandra continued its strong run in A-grade with a 56-28 victory over Barooga at Katandra Recreation Reserve.
In other contests, Deni Rovers produced one of the performances of the round with a dominant 67-15 win over Berrigan, while Dookie United also impressed in a comprehensive 63-21 victory against Mathoura.
Rovers continue to set the pace in the league at this stage in the campaign, leading the ladder after six outings so far.
Jerilderie edged out Picola United in a tight encounter, prevailing 44-40 in one of the closest matches of the weekend, while Tungamah recorded a solid 57-37 win over Rennie.
Tocumwal continued its strong form with a convincing 51-23 victory against Katunga, while Waaia proved far too strong for Blighty, cruising to a 53-16 triumph.
In the final game of the round, Katamatite claimed an impressive 54-30 win over Strathmerton on the road to round out another competitive weekend of action across the Picola District league.
