ONLOOKERS were captivated by the closely contested game, which saw the Cooma Cats fight for every goal and snatch victory over their Eastlake opponents on the weekend.

Cooma took to Kingston Oval with a full squad on Saturday afternoon, and right from the first bounce the Cats put it to the taller Eastlake side with some ferocious tackling and close marking.

Despite superior performance and more possession of the ball it was Eastlake who scored first, however the Cats matched their opponents and denied them an opportunity to widen the gap.

Both teams managed to maintain a tight scoreline for much of the game and by half time Eastlake was in the lead by just six points.

The third quarter saw the Cats start to gain more momentum, increase communication, and display some wonderful passages of play, which was highlighted by accurate passing and great defence.

By the beginning of the fourth quarter Cooma was ahead by merely five points, but an early Eastlake goal raised eyebrows as to whether the Cats would win.

The game turned in the Cats' favour shortly afterward, with Cooma scoring a succession of goals in a ten-minute period, and claim a 31-point victory.

"The Cats put in one of their best performances of the year with a great display of hard and aggressive football to defeat Eastlake on their home ground," president Dave Paterson said.

"Nothing epitomised the Cats' efforts more than Rob 'Buzz' Wilkins' tackle against a much larger opponent in the final quarter, which led to a turn over and a Cooma goal," he said.

Adrian Decol was named Cooma's best on ground after his great display of clever footy highlighted by kicking two goals and setting up numerous Cooma attacks, was chosen.

All players performed exceptionably, however Wilkins, Jim Russell, Damien and Adam Asanovski, Minchy and Rob Brown deserve a commendation.

Cooma have a bye on the weekend and will take on Gungahlin at Snowy Oval next weekend.