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Cats 9.13.67 Def Dogs 7.11.53
Rutherglen has breathed new life into its finals campaign with a stirring 14-point upset win over top-four side Thurgoona in a gritty round 13 contest at Barkly Park.
Coming into the match sitting eighth on the ladder, the Cats produced one of their most complete performances of the season, overcoming a more fancied opponent with disciplined, team-first football that showcased both the hunger of its youth and the leadership of its senior core.
Charlie Beattie provided a strong target up forward, leading with purpose from full-forward, clunking several strong marks and finishing with three goals.
Around the ball, Matthew Tanner played a key role both offensively and defensively, limiting the influence of a dangerous opposition midfielder while still contributing effectively when pushing forward.
Captain Ben Pleming, vice-captain Martin Brennan and co-coach Dylan Van Berlo were instrumental in setting the tone, particularly around stoppages.
Their strength and composure in the contest helped Rutherglen gain the ascendancy in clearances, winning crucial ball at the coalface and giving the side first use throughout the day.
In addition to their midfield impact, the trio repeatedly drove the ball inside 50 and helped repel numerous Thurgoona attacks with smart positioning and strong defensive work.
In a milestone match, Ryan Jones celebrated his 100th senior game for Rutherglen with a trademark performance in defence.
Back in the senior side for just the second time this season, Jones threw himself into every contest and helped set up several counterattacks.
He was well supported in the backline by Brendan Morris, whose run and carry gave Rutherglen vital drive, as well as key defenders Khris Willett and Tyler Ferraro, who held firm under pressure.
Also contributing significantly were Matthew Halton and Hayden Weller, two of the side’s younger brigade who stood tall on the big stage.
Halton, playing across half-forward, applied relentless pressure, won crucial contests and brought teammates into the game.
Weller, working up and down the wing, fought hard to win or at least neutralise key contests in dangerous areas. Post-game, Rutherglen’s coaching group applauded the team’s increased intensity and commitment over four quarters, a stark contrast to their 79-point loss to Thurgoona back in round 2.
The result highlights the steady development of a young group growing in confidence and cohesion.
All teams in the Tallangatta and District Football League will enjoy a bye this weekend before round 14 action resumes.
Rutherglen will turn their focus to a key clash against local rivals Wahgunyah at the Wahgunyah Recreational Reserve.
Awards: Complete Body Craft - Charlie Beattie, Poachers Paradise Hotel - Matthew Tanner, Rutherglen Convent Brewery - Brendan Morris, Club Corowa - Ryan Jones, Rutherglen Pizza - Martin Brennan and NAIDOC Rd Clapping Sticks - Dylan Van Berlo.
Reserves
Cats 6.10.46 Def Dogs 5.3.33
Thirrd versus sixth was always going to be a tight contest, and Saturday’s game certainly delivered.
Archer Colvin was outstanding down back, cutting off countless Thurgoona forward entries with strong support from Tory Oats.
The pair were instrumental in keeping Rutherglen steady under pressure.
Rutherglen controlled general play for most of the game, with Andison, Plummer, and Huggins leading the way through the midfield, winning crucial clearances and driving the ball forward.
The game tightened in the final quarter as Thurgoona mounted a challenge, but Rutherglen held firm.
Late goals from Thomson and Costarella, along with some clever forward craft from Pagan-Saunders, sealed an important win.
Awards: Club Corowa - Archer Colvin, Howlong Shearing - Caleb Andison, Baker Seeds - Tory Oats and Rutherglen Pizza - Mitch Huggins, Corowa Golf Club - Joshua Pagan-Saunders and NAIDOC Rd Clapping Sticks - Archer Colvin.
Under 17s
Cats 11.14.80 Def Dogs 0.5.5
From the opening bounce, Rutherglen asserted their dominance, controlling the game throughout despite some early inaccuracy in front of goal.
After three consecutive losses, it was a welcome return to the winner’s list.
The second quarter showcased the team’s potential, with the boys executing the game plan effectively and playing cohesive, team-oriented football.
It was especially pleasing to see Aidan Berriman back in form after a slower performance last week.
Unselfish play opened up opportunities for our younger players to contribute, several of whom hit the scoreboard in a strong all-round team effort.
The backline stood tall all game, shutting down any attacking chances from Thurgoona and turning defence into attack with confidence and composure.
Congratulations to Dusty Fisher on reaching the milestone of 50 club games—a fantastic achievement.
With the interleague round this weekend, the team now has a well-earned break to rest and reset before facing Wahgunyah in round 14 and beginning the push towards finals.
Best of luck to the Under 17s boys— Aidan Berriman, Mitch Francis, Flynn Verhulst, and Logan Poole—who will be representing the club at Lavington this weekend. If you can, get along and show your support.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza - Daniel Ryland, Silver Key Café - Mitch Francis, Corowa Sportspower - Jax Ramsey, Coaches Award - Flynn Verhulst and Coaches Award - Jaylen Cracknell.
Under 14s
Cats 2.2.14 Def by Dogs 5.12.42
The plucky young Cats could not match it with the strong Dogs team this week, despite trying their best.
The teams improvement over the season has been huge and brilliant to watch, keep up the efforts boys and your rewards will come.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza - Jai Richey, Silver Key Café - Seve Cottam, Corowa Sportspower - Nat Kuschert, Chandler Cash - Zac Macumber, Coaches Award - Zavier Manns and NAIDOC Rd Clapping Sticks - Jai Richey.
Under 12s
Cats 5.6.37 Def Dogs 2.1.13
This week Rutherglen hosted Thurgoona at Barkly Park. With the Bulldogs too good earlier in the season the young Cats were keen to make amends, kicking an early goal through Toby Douglas.
From there the Cats played some terrific football running hard both offensively and defensively and playing a team orientated brand of football.
Vice-captain Cody O’Donoghue finished the game with 2 goals and Rio Glen kicked his first goal for his career; Pat Coleman returned from injury strongly with a best on ground performance winning the NAIDOC sticks as judged by the umpires.
The young Cats running out winners over a strong Thurgoona side, well done Cats.
Awards: McFarlane Family - Lachie Wilson, Silver Key Café - Jenson McInnes, Rutherglen Lolly Shop - Patrick Colman, Danny Johnson ‘Most Courageous’ – Lenny, The River Fish N Chips - Pat McMillan, J & M Steel Erection – Rio Glen, North East Marine – Brax, Corowa Sportspower – Ryder and NAIDOC Rd Clapping Sticks - Patrick Colman.
Netball
A Grade
Cats 26 Def by Dogs 74
Once again, the scoreline doesn’t show how well this young-ish team is coming together. It was physical and everyone lifted and played a top-quality game.
Special mention to Jess Oats to run through a quality game in Centre. Good tips and back up from the defensive line; Kath, Pia and Kealy. In attack its coming together with some quality plays.
Keep up the great work Cats.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Jess Oats, Poachers Paradise Hotel - Kathleen Bartlett, The Other Place - Pia Taylor and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Amy Allen (Thurg).
B Grade
Cats 28 Def by Dogs 59
The B-Grade girls had a tough match this week, but they improved as the game went on; finishing with a respectable result against a team who are likely to be premiers this season.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Bylee Allison, Boorhaman Hotel - Kara Renshaw, Club Corowa - Tenaya McGill, The Other Place - Mel Griffin and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Lucy Guerin (Thurg).
C Grade
Cats 19 Def by Dogs 72
This week the team showed great improvement since the first round. The girls fought hard against a strong side.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Felicity Nesbitt, Boorhaman Hotel – Olivia Plummer, Corowa Sportspower – Georgie Upton, Valentine’s Artisan Bakery – Charlotte Meyer and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Katelyn Donney (Thurg).
17 and Under
Cats 28 Def by Dogs 49
Another fantastic effort from the girls this week, so many positive plays and sportsmanship.
Thurgoona are always a tough opponent, but the team worked so hard to keep the score low. Great work Cats.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Kara Lauren Webb, Silken Skin Studio - Elle Lawrence, Valentine’s Artisan Bakery - Faith O’Donoghue, Corowa Sportspower - Tahlia Morley, Corowa Sportspower - Milligan Morris and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Clare Hyland (Thurg).
15 and Under
Cats 22 Def by Dogs 63
The Under 15s had some great patches of play but overall a sluggish game for the girls this week. Tayla ran all game and Flick stepped up to the challenges given.
A rest next week will help the girls finish the season strong.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Erica Harder, The Wax Trade - Tayla Meyer, Corowa Sportspower - Flick Watson and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Annabelle Spinelli (Thurg).
13 and Under
Cats 13 Def by Dogs 33
Well done girls, showing big improvements from last game. Coaches were very proud of the girls this week. They all played a great game and gave it their all against a strong opposition.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) - Freya Kay, Corowa Sportspower - Flick Watson, Corowa Sportspower - Savanna Barnes and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Milla Stieber (Thurg).
12 and Under
Cats 0 Def by Dogs
The young Cats had another cold start with their fingers taking a while to warm up. The defence was strong all game and there was great improvement on display from the whole team.
Awards: Daisy Cow Soaps – Lucie Field, McFarlane Award – Charlotte Colwell and NAIDOC Rd Netball - Nellie Jacobs (Thurg).
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