Despite more scoring shots to the Roos it was the Cooma Cats that led for most of the game except when it counted at the end. In windy, cold conditions at Football Park in Phillip the Roos fought back in the last quarter to win a low-scoring affair 7-14-56 to 7-6-48.

It was a close game with the Cats getting better use of the ball early and making the most of their scoring opportunities. Two late goals to Yass in the first quarter kept them in touch but Cooma led 3-1-19 to 2-1-13 at quarter time.

The second quarter was fairly even in terms of scoring shots but the Cats were better at finishing. The Roos were making some simple mistakes and poor decisions in front of goal cost them on the scoreboard. The Cats extended their lead at halftime 5-5-35 to 3-6-24.

Despite having six attempts to one in the third quarter the Roos still couldn't bridge the gap by the third quarter break. They trailed 6-5-41 to 4-11-35 to go into the last with plenty of pressure to try and fashion a win.

It took an inspired positional change by coach Terry Lemon to break the game open for the Roos. He moved Jimmy Kelly from the backline into the roving role on the ball and Jimmy turned the game. His work rate to keep the ball in the Roos forward line for most of the quarter was motivational and the Roos scored the first goal and a couple of behinds to lead early. The Cats however were not done and responded with a goal of their own to re-gain the lead. Tension was high as time ticked away but the Roos dominated possession and finished with two late goals to seal the win and dash Cooma's hopes of snaring a valuable win against one of the top sides this year.

Many spectators were of the opinion the Roos had dodged a bullet as it was not a convincing win. Best players were Players' Player Aaron Wilson, Tom Hanson, Maarten Dewilt, Jim Kelly, Steve O'Brien and Simon Goyne, while seven players added one more to their goal tallies for the year.

In terms of ladder positions there has been no change this week. Cootamundra, after another big win, lead on percentage from Yass with Goulburn two points back in third. Cooma still hold fourth spot, four points further back, while Ainslie got a little closer in fifth with a win over Harman. South Coast are in sixth only two points out of the five. It is a tight race for the finals and wins are vital to keep near the pointy end.

This week the Roos are back in town as they take on the Tuggeranong Hawks at Joe O'Connor Park from 2pm on Saturday July 19. The Hawks have not had a very successful season so far and the Roos need a big win to stay in touch of Cootamundra. Yass will not want to relax for this one as the Hawks would love nothing better than to knock off a top side for their first win this year.

I'll see you at the footy to cheer on the Roos.

The Fox Terrier.