Holmes Fires Eight as Wildcats Topple Ladder Leaders

Woodside produced one of its best performances of the season to claim a significant 28-point victory over ladder leaders Cowwarr, prevailing 17.8 (110) to 11.16 (82) in a high-quality North Gippsland Football Netball League clash.

The final margin failed to tell the full story, with Cowwarr left to lament a wasteful afternoon in front of goal. The Saints actually had one more scoring shot than Woodside, finishing with 27 attempts to the Wildcats' 26, but costly inaccuracy – including several missed opportunities from close range – proved the difference.

Despite missing key players Michaelidis, Luke Johnson and Morgan, while Thomas King remained sidelined, the Wildcats barely missed a beat. Askew, Wilson and Jeffs came into the side and played their roles in an impressive team performance.

Woodside made an ideal start, spearheaded by captain Hudson Holmes. The star forward booted the opening two goals of the match and helped create another as the Wildcats burst out of the blocks.

Cowwarr had plenty of early opportunities but squandered several gettable chances before eventually finding their rhythm. The Saints briefly looked capable of taking control, edging ahead 5.5 (35) to 4.3 (27) at quarter-time.

Woodside responded brilliantly in the second term, lifting its pressure around the contest and beginning to capitalise on its opportunities to trail by just eight points at the main break, 6.5 (41) to 7.7 (49).

The premiership contenders produced a match-winning third quarter, restricting Cowwarr's scoring while piling on five unanswered goals to establish a handy 71-64 lead at the final change.

From there, the Wildcats controlled proceedings, finishing strongly to record an important victory over one of the competition's benchmark sides.

Holmes was the standout in front of goal, finishing with a magnificent eight-goal haul and later receiving the umpires' Best on Ground NAIDOC Medal. Brody Stainer provided excellent support with four majors, while Cooper Ryan kicked two. Ryan Foat, Adam Janssen and Daniel Missen also hit the scoreboard.

Foat was a huge contributor for the Wildcats , ahead of Adam Janssen, Riley Denovan, Rowan Missen, Ben Johnson and Stainer.

There will be a few sore bodies after this match with both sides leaving nothing on the field in their quest for the four points.

 Daniel Missen  was on the receiving end of that desperation. The first came when he was driven into the goal post during the opening quarter, before later receiving another high blow in the third quarter.

For Cowwarr, Tristen Waack, Ben Coffey, Mitchell McMaster, Jack Johnstone, Timothy Johnston and Patrick Tainsh were their leading contributors.