Cobram and Barooga fall, Katamatite begins finals quest

The round 17 encounter was in the balance for much of the contest, with Tongala holding a 12-point lead at quarter time, a six-point lead at half time and an 11-point lead at the final break.

Despite leading at every change, a quick three goals saw the Tigers hit the front in the final term; however, the Blues did just enough to secure the win.

Jack Wilson was named best on ground for the visitors, with Samuel Beasley and Izac Artavilla also standing out.

Meanwhile in Barooga, Congupna was simply too strong for the home side, picking up a 5.5 (35) to 16.11 (107) win.

The Hawks were competitive early in the game, before a scoreless third term saw the Road run away with the result.

William Clarke, Kris Bextream and Samuel Macheda were named Barooga’s best three on the day.

This weekend the Hawks will face an away trip to Echuca United, with the last game of the club’s season a chance to end on a high.

Elsewhere Cobram will host the Deniliquin Rams at Scott Oval — both games will get under way at 2pm.

In the A-grade netball competition, Cobram suffered a 66 to 36 defeat to Tongala, while Barooga lost to Congupna 23 to 27.

The Picola and District League kicked off its finals series on the weekend, with elimination finals played in Jerilderie and Berrigan on Saturday and Sunday.

At Berrigan, Katamatite secured passage to the senior football semi-finals, downing Jerilderie by 25 points.

Despite falling to the Demons last week, the Tigers arrived meaning business, flying out of the blocks to lead by 26 points at quarter-time.

Katamatite stayed on top throughout the next two quarters, and while Jerilderie fought back in the final term, it was not enough, with the Tigers winning 14.5 (89) to 9.10 (64).

Sam Wright kicked seven goals for the yellow and black side, while Pat Riordan was named best on ground.

The impressive result sets up an exciting semi-final clash with either Waaia or Strathmerton in Yarroweyah on August 27.

In the A-grade netball Tocumwal was the only local side in action, with the Bloods going down to Katunga 45 to 37 in Jerilderie.

After two weeks off, Bloods co-coach Katrina Chellew told the Shepparton News she was happy with how the team played.

“To come out and probably play our best game of the season, I’m stoked,” Chellew said.

“We just couldn’t beat the six goals, but I’m so proud of my girls.”

Chellew said her side’s defence stood out for the whole game, with relentless pressure across all four quarters.

“It was a team effort, 100 per cent a team effort. Everybody did what they had to do on the day,” she said.

On Sunday, Katamatite’s B-grade side picked up a one-goal win over Yarroweyah.

The heartbreaking result sees the Hoppers bow out of the finals; however, they exit the 2022 competition with plenty to be proud of.

This weekend a number of local sides will be in action in the qualifying finals.

On Sunday in Blighty, Strathmerton’s senior football side will take on Waaia in Blighty, while the Bulldogs’ A-grade netball side will face Katamatite on Saturday in Katamatite.