A huge last-quarter lift against Kadina in the elimination final the week before had helped CY Cougars through to the first semifinal, while a qualifying final loss against CMS Crows had forced Bute to take the harder road — leading to Bute taking on Central Yorke at Wallaroo on Sunday to end one team’s season.

The Cougar midfielders got on top early, forcing the ball towards their in-