Cats’ finals dream comes to a close in tight contest against ladder-leader

While the Bulldogs had the bulk of scoring chances in the first quarter, their wayward kicking (4.11) left the door ajar for the Cats, who slotted three majors to remain competitive at quarter-time.

While LBU couldn’t outscore North Bendigo in the second period, it went toe-to-toe with the flag favourite with both sides nailing four maximums each with a pair of behinds adding to the Bulldogs’ lead, which sat at 19 at the major break.

The Cats was unable to match North Bendigo’s pace after the break, with the Bulldogs putting up their best attacking period of play in the third period (5.2), while LBU could only manage 1.4.

LBU managed nine scoring shots down the stretch, with only two of the attempts netting maximum return, while North Bendigo slotted four goals in reply to cruise to a 17.18 (120) 10.12 (72) victory to end the Cats’ season.

LBU ball magnet Tyler Phillips was again named best-on-ground for his side, with Bart Phillips finding the middle of the posts on four occasions.

Even with a win in round 18 against White Hills, the Cats will fall a minimum of a game short of Huntly for the last finals spot, with some tight losses earlier in the season proving the difference between a shot at ultimate glory and missing the post-season.