It was May Day and bordering on an autumnal heatwave as the Hoppers were home to Picola.
Picola blew this game away in the first term kicking six goals to one as they were able to move the ball efficiently through the middle and create large space in the forward 50 whereas the Hoppers were breaking down at half-forward with every forward incursion.
Term 2 wasn’t a lot better as without the efforts of McKimmie, Fountain and Connell the Hoppers had few performing soldiers.
At half time, coach Ednie did his best impersonation of John Kennedy just asking all his players to do something. The game erupted into a free-flowing open contest with 11 goals kicked in the term.
Strawhorn was providing a target for the Hoppers with Ednie leading by example.
The last term saw the Hoppers battle it out but in the end were rolled by 70 points.
Strawhorn kicked 4 and the best players were Connell, Fountain and McKimmie.
Reserves
Rennie 6.7.43 defeated by Picola United 11.10.76.
A severely undermanned twos went down to Picola in a gutsy performance by 33 points.
Starting with the bare 18, the Hoppers played the entire second half two short. They were able to keep with Picola until three-quarter time, but just ran out of legs in the final term.
Coach Dykes led by example, turning back the clock with a masterful performance well supported by hard man Douglass, the whippet Benjamin and the big Fish.
There were no multiple goalkickers as the forward work and pressure were evenly spread.
Award winners were: Daniel Boulton, Hugh Fisher, Ben Douglass, Corey McIntosh and Brody Benjamin.
Thirds
Rennie 4.6.30 defeated by Picola United 8.4.52.
This game was lost in the first quarter when the Hoppers were 27 points down but they were super for the rest of the day going down by 22.
The on-ball team lifted in term 2 led by McInness who was well supported by the emerging Caleb Tanner and the much improved Harry Barker and Daniel Herrod.
Bassett and Brogan were solid down back as the Hoppers just couldn’t quite break a three-goal gap.
Kennedy with two was the only multiple goal kicker.
The awards went to Harry Barker, Caleb Tanner, Jack Bassett, Jesse Brogan and Ben Kennedy.
Fourths
Rennie 1.2.8 defeated by Picola United 14.9.93.
The fourths continue to persevere and improve their team play and cohesion each week.
Coach Strawhorn and sidekick Payne, also known as Batman and Robin are wrapt with the way this group are listening to instruction and acting on it.
With the assistance of many of the clubs junior netballers, the development of this young squad will bear greater fruit later in the year.
Connor Strawhorn kicked the only goal and the awards went to Cam Stephens, Coco Vodusek, Laynee Rhodes, Chase Payne, Connor Strawhorn, Lach Burrows and Zander Rhodes.
Under 11s
Marley Bigger reported that Rennie won by 23 points. Coach Red jumped off the tractor, directed his team to have fun, kick lots of goals and sing the song regardless.
Mission accomplished.
Awards went to: Joey Edwards, Harry Giblett, Dante Zanker, Nick Kerr, Hugo Bott, Lenny Legudi
Saturday night at Rennie was Flight Night as the Rennie faithful travelled to Ireland, Mexico and the USA with the risk of COVID.
A huge thanks to the Social Committee for organising. Next week Rennie is off to Tocumwal with awards afterwards at the Yarrawonga Hotel.
Reunion Day is May15 at Rennie. Further details for buses, catering and the running of the day can be found on the Rennie Football and Netball Facebook page.
Rennie 0.3, 1.6, 6.8, 7.10.52.
Picola United 6.2, 9.5, 15.6, 19.8.122.
Goals: Rennie: C. Strawhorn 4, T. McKimmie 1, D. Chung 1, B. Welsh 1.
Picola United: T. Beard 8, C. Haub 4, I. Fry 1, R. Denham 1, S. Woodward 1, S. Boyd 1, H. Brown 1, B. Jorgensen 1, M. Watson 1.
Best: Rennie: T. McKimmie, P. McCallum, J. Fountain, L. Connell.
Picola United: T. Beard, S. Woodward, M. Watson, T. Richards, J. Barrington, B. Jorgensen.