Tungamah 0.2, 3.3, 4.3, 4.4.28
Strathmerton 2.4, 6.5, 10.11, 14.14.98
Goalkickers: J Cheek 6, J Reilly 5, L Thompson 2, C Powell, T Lidgerwood.
Best: A Ford, J Holcombe, W Thomson, S Ferguson.
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In Round 9, the Bears were taking on the undefeated Strathmerton for the Matt O’Kane Cup.
The senior side was honoured to be wearing the heritage jerseys which included the names of every player to win a premiership for TFNC.
The 2014 reunion and some big inclusions in the starting line-up - with Lachie Thompson and Jye Holcombe returning from injury - gave the boys a real buzz. The first quarter was an arm wrestle with the ball pinging up and down the ground, however it was Strathy who was able to convert their inside 50s into shots on goal, unlike the Bears.
The Bulldogs took a 14-point lead into quarter-time. Kicking to the creek end in the second period, the Bears were able to hit the scoreboard with Lachie Thompson booting two majors in his return. Despite the Bears looking more potent in attack, Strathy was able to extend their lead to 20 points at half-time.
Unfortunately, the Bears’ torrid run with injuries continued. Their ever-reliable trainer, ‘Razor’ Raymond Saunders was clearly best on the ground - patching up Angus Ford’s split chin, Wally Thompson’s split eyebrow and managing Lachie Thompson’s concussion.
Despite fighting hard to the final siren, Strathy kicked away from the Bears winning by 70 points. The Bears wish Darcy McCormick a speedy recovery from what appears to be a pretty serious achilles injury.
Reserves
Tungamah 3.3, 8.5, 10.7, 12.10.82
Strathmerton 1.1, 1.2, 4.2, 6.2.38
Goalkickers: A Saunders 6, X Smith, M Khat, J Connell, J Henderson, T Irvine, W Prescott.
Best: A Saunders, M Hughes, T Coffey, D Ellis, J Saunders, J Costigan.
Renew your Tupperware subscriptions because the lids are off. A couple of weeks in twos’ time can seem like an eternity as the magoos went from not kicking a goal against Deni to knocking off top of the table Bulldogs.
Some huge ‘ins’ over the last few weeks had the boys doing the hokey-pokey and turning this shipwreck around.
Always good to see Dan Ellis back in the middle doing what he does best. A two-goal lead at quarter-time had the lunchtime legends sporting the confidence of a four-year-old in a superman cape.
Sam Kellock was turning it on while Gooba made you feel sorry to be a Strathy player - even Hendo changed direction mid-air when Gooba called “mine”.
‘Velvet’ Prescott embarrassed a fare few previous coaches who wasted 20 years of his career playing him as a small defensive winger, when he is actually a tall power forward.
Down back ‘Horse’ Coffey, Hughes and Gambie were defensive pillars, nullifying their opponents.
Awards: M. Hughes - Mulwala Ski Club, T. Coffey - Wingates Sport, J. Costigan - Tungamah Hotel.
Thirds
Tungamah 4.2, 7.4, 9.4, 12.5.77
Strathmerton 1.3, 1.3, 2.5, 6.6.42
Goalkickers: L Lonergan 4, Z Bramich 2, C Walls, A Doyle, E Cummins, B Grant, S Bainikoro, J Parker.
Best: B Grant, A Walker, J Parker, N Dickins, S Bainikoro, E Cummins.
The game kicked off with a quick goal from Tungamah, finding their stride early they secured a strong lead by the end of the first quarter.
After the first break both teams came out strongly. Consistent second attempts and effective tackles made for a competitive quarter. Tunga’s solid defence kept Strathy at bay and scoreless.
The third quarter saw some great work by the Tunga boys, with good passages of play - Strathy struggled to hold the boys back as the Bears took a 43-point lead into the final break.
An early quarter rally by Strathy saw them add three quick goals to their score, but it was too little too late. Tunga kept their composure and the lead, securing the win.
Awards: A. Walker - Hemphill Family Award, J. Parker - Yarrawonga Auto Award, N. Dickins - Tungamah Shop, S. Bainikoro - Doyle Sock Award, L. Walls - CMCU Award, B. Grant - Coach’s Award, E.Cummins - Home Game Award.
Fourths
Tungamah 4.1, 10.1, 12.2, 15.4.94
Strathmerton 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 5.4.34
Goalkickers: B Doyle 6, T Saunders 4, J Bamford 3, C Payne, J Morritt.
Best: J Bamford, B Doyle, L O'Brien, S Goudie, X Chessells, T Saunders.
Strathy came out firing and took the Fourths boys by surprise. The Bears snapped into action halfway through the first quarter, kicking a few quick goals to take a narrow lead into quarter time.
In the second quarter, Billy D and Jett showed their dominance and it felt like everywhere you looked they were there.
Slater was swung into the ruck and nullified their dominant ruckman while Darcy C was a shining light in the backline.
In the second half, the boys got an impressive lead, playing some good team football with everyone contributing well.
Tague showed his silky-smooth skills and his endeavour for the ball, sending us into attack many times. It was great to see the selflessness of our boys as they shared the ball around well, which also contributed to our goals.
These kids are really improving week by week, you won’t want to miss the rest of this team’s season.
Awards: J Bamford - Bamford Builders, X Chessells - Tungamah Shop, J Prosser - Intents Fishing, T Buerckner - Doyles Socks.
Fifths
All roads led to Jubilee Park as our Bear Cubs looked forward to taking on the powerful Strathmerton Bulldogs.
Both clubs went in with a full capacity squad and, boy, did it certainly show. Smothers, tackles and great kicking and handball skills were on show for a large capacity crowd, despite the winter-like conditions.
Drawing inspiration from excited roars of the crowd yelling “well done, young man” the boys from both clubs played the game in great spirits.
Thanks to Strathy for an enjoyable game, and to our thirds boys who continually put their hands up to umpire these young legends.
Awards: R. Cummins - Yarrawonga Fish and Chips, P Smith - TFNC, J Crothers - Tungamah Shop.
Netball
A Grade
Tungamah 22 defeated by Strathmerton 45
With ladies day on everyone’s minds and the sun shining it looked to be a great day for netball, unfortunately Strathy were too strong.
Penny's intense pressure on the court led to several turnovers and forced the opponents to make mistakes in the midcourt.
Liv's relentless work rate in GD highlighted her leadership as team captain, making crucial turnovers that boosted the team.
The attackers faced constant challenges due to Strathmerton's impressive defensive efforts.
Unfortunately, we were not able to capitalise on our opportunities - we matched Strathy in skill but just allowed too many unforced errors, our bad decisions costing us the game.
Awards: P Thomson - Free as a Bird, O Douglas - Lash Revolution.
B Grade
Tungamah 32 defeated by Strathmerton 46
Strathy came out guns blazing, determined to clinch the win. But Tungamah didn't back down, giving them a run for their money throughout the game.
The girls really showcased all the hard work we've been putting in at training, smoothly moving the ball around the ring and driving down the court.
Brodie and Tahnee were absolute warriors in defence, but those Strathy girls were unstoppable.
Hannah, Isobel, Sophie and Grace were a force to be reckoned with in bringing the ball down the court to the shooters.
Kara and Marissa faced some solid defence from Strathy but held their ground. Tungamah really gave it their all, only slipping behind in the final quarter.
Awards: B. Gissing - Lash Revolution, M Grant - Jaycee’s.
C Grade
Tungamah 35 defeated by Strathmerton 36
C Grade knew we had to be switched on from the first centre and the first quarter went goal for goal, with scores tied 11-all at the first break.
Strong defence over the court saw us take a three-goal lead at half time. We were challenged in the third and went in 28-each at the last break.
A fiercely contested last quarter saw Strathy out by a couple of goals early but the Bears worked so hard to bring the scores back level with a minute to go, before going down by the smallest of margins.
Great passages of play by all players gave many highlights and the coaches can’t wait for the second half of the year.
Awards: N Howard - Players player and Miss Dolly; B Tobin - Rich Glen; R McPherson - Hard Luck Cafe.
C Reserve
Tungamah 21 defeated by Strathmerton 27
The girls knew they were in for a tough game against second on the ladder, but from the first whistle the girls came out strong and showed Strathy what the Bears are made of, going down by six in the end to quality opponents.
The girls showed great defensive pressure - chasing up loose balls and backing each other up when needed and giving 110 per cent and never giving up!
Awards: C Goudie - Lash Revolution, C Sinclaire - Rich Glen, K Vella - Hard Luck Cafe.
Under 17s
Tungamah 36 defeated Strathmerton 17
The girls came out firing this weekend, holding Strathy to four goals at quarter-time.
The defence end again caused the opposition attackers to have to work hard all day with tips and taps causing many turnovers down the whole court.
Maddi came onto WA in the second half, creating lots of space with her great drives. Vic and Jaz continue to impress each week, playing as one unit looking for each other.
Shys’ feeds into the goal ring were perfect and placed into space.
Great team effort and another strong win!
Awards: S Brown - Jaycees, L Burns - Credit Union.
Under 15s
Tungamah 48 defeated Strathmerton 11
A great team effort by all players on court. The girls are converting what they are learning at training to game day, which is making the coaches very proud.
The vision down the court by players is creating space and leading to scoring opportunities.
Laila was a gun on court, performing some ‘pretty plays.’ Elli worked well in the ring with high accuracy shooting and strong driving.
Awards: E Buerckner - Tungamah Shop, L Pardo - Jaycees.
Under 13s
Tungamah 28 defeated Strathmerton 11
The sun was shining and the girls were full of excitement and smiles as they looked to take the court against Strathy.
After a slight tumble with a couple of players in the warm-up, the girls gathered for a pre-game chat with wise words from coaches. They took to the court, started strong and continued carrying that momentum throughout the game.
Encouraging each other, as well as direct leads and passes showed how much the girls are continually growing as a team.
With a couple of girls away this week, it allowed our coaches to call on Annabelle and Milli to make their U13s debut. Was great to have you both join us on court.
Awards: A Kelly - Tungamah Shop; P Bamford - Yarra Fish and Chips; S O’Brien - Rich Glen; T Blick - Bamford Builders.
Yarrawonga Chronicle