Bears prelim wins set the the stage for grand finals

Katandra: 1.2, 1.2, 1.2, 2.2: 14

Goals: A. Saunders 5, J. Reilly 2, W. Prescott 2, T. Greene 2, T. Hayes, T. Irvine, M. O'Kane, J. Jones.

Katandra: F. Walters, A. McCully.

Best: Tungamah: B. Bell, S. Kellock, N. Gamble, T. Hayes, A. Saunders.

Katandra: H. Kruse, R. Ireland, J. Thorne, N. Earl, F. Walters, W. Morrissey.

September is for delivering in big moments, and that’s exactly what the lunchtime legends did against Katandra, winning by 86 points and booking a spot in the big dance.

The battle for Mr. September is heating up with Kellock, O’Kane and Bell all turning in impressive auditions.

O’Kane was running hotter than a steal playground side in the middle of January.

B.Bell was all over Katandra while Kellock down back was impenetrable.

JJ was electric again while Ada in the last quarter was heard giving his direct opponent a pep talk, in some twisted Reserves brand therapy.

The scribe wrote “I’m assuming that day will live rent free in the young blokes head, it will in mine.”

Al Riley operated with the finesse and agility with the only thing that could stop him, was his own hand-eye coordination, and it did, often.

He still somehow managed to score twice.

The scribe wrote “I’d rather take my chances working cooked spaghetti up a mountain lions’ back than be the bloke to stand in front of Gooba, smashing packs like zinger boxes at 3am, on his way to 5 snags.”

Rangi was at a different level.

At times it looked like he was kicking with divine guidance.

Gambi was in the thick of it again, proving his physio is now a lead candidate for the medical Nobel Prize, not only resurrecting a torn hammy but apparently fixing his kicking as well.

At one point he chiselled a bullet at a 90-degree angle across his body that laced out a teammate so sweetly it had blokes calling for his physio’s canonisation.

Saint or scientist, someone’s working miracles.

Ocean, hell bent on finishing the year as a forward, actually, and it hurts to admit this, looked like one.

His leads were sharper than a katana and he threw himself over packs like someone had told him there were free long necks up there

Not a bad way to win a prelim, Beats at fullback not needing to wash the kit before next week and the result leaving the coaches happy.

Thirds

Tungamah 16.18: 114 def Deni Rovers 5.2: 32

The Tungamah Thirds started off the preliminary final against Deniliquin fired up and wanting the win.

All over the field, the determination was seen on the thirds faces as they fought hard to win the ball in every contest.

A comfortable 16-point lead was earned by the thirds at the end of the first quarter. The sides fierce determination did not falter, as handling the ball was made all the more difficult in wet conditions.

Deni were held scoreless in the second quarter, with the Bears securing a 50 point gap by half time.

As the rain continued, it didn’t seem to dampen the Bears spirits, moving the ball around well and continuing to apply pressure all over the ground.

By three quarter time, the score was 85-32.

Going into the last quarter the rain had really settled in, but the Bears showed their resilience as they continued to apply scoreboard pressure.

Tungamah came away with a convincing win.

The Thirds are proud to be making an appearance next week in the Grand Final against Strathmerton.

It will be a tough match, but one that the side has worked hard all season for. Regardless of the result next week, they have done themselves and the club proud.

All the best for the Grand Final boys, have fun and enjoy the moment.

Goals: L. Lonergan 6, B. Grant 4, Z. Bramich 2, A. Doyle, J. Bamford, B. Krywyn, L. O’Brien.

Awards: L. Lonergan, L. O’Brien, X. Chessells, B. Grant, B. Krywyn.

Fourths

Tungamah 2.2: 14 def by Picola 8.4: 52

Unfortunately, it wasn't the Fourths Day as they faced a bigger, stronger Picola side at Waaia on Saturday.

Despite putting up a strong fight until the end, the Bears struggled to gain momentum against their opponents.

However, the loss aside, the side should take pride in how far they've come this year. The improvement across the group has been significant, especially with several players experiencing their first year of football.

Tungamah wish Isacc a speedy recovery, after he had taken a hard knock in the final minutes of the game.

Well done to the Fourths for an impressive season of football.

Goals: B. Krywyn, T. Saunders.

Best: C. Jarjoura, T. Saunders, N. Lawless, R. Kelly, J. Browning, J. Morritt.

Netball

B Grade

Tungamah 34 def by Deni Rovers 35

Tungamah’s season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday, falling just short in a thriller against Deni Rovers, in the preliminary final.

The opening half was a hard-fought grind, with Deni taking their chances early and edging ahead at the main break by three points.

Tungamah, however, refused to lie down.

The B Grade Bears lifted, winning the third quarter as they worked overtime to close the gap with some outstanding passages of play, relentless pressure, and determination that showed the tenacity which has defined their season.

Two points down at the start of the final quarter, the girls poured out everything they had left, to outplay their opponent in the final quarter.

The team’s fitness and determination shone through, and the crowd was right behind them as they closed the gap.

In the dying seconds, the Bears pressed hard, but time wasn’t on their side, with Deni holding on by the narrowest of margins.

Despite the result, this group has plenty to be proud of.

They fought until the very last whistle, showed resilience under pressure, and produced some of their best netball when it mattered most.

To win the second half of a preliminary final is no small feat, and it reflects the strength and unity this side has built across the year.

The scoreboard may not have fallen Tungamah’s way, but the heart, fight, and connection this team has shown is something to celebrate.

A massive thank you to the players, coaching group, the ladies behind the scenes doing their weekly tasks, our umpires and supporters who have backed the team every step of the way.

A special mention to, without doubt, the best team manager B Grade could have ever asked for, Sally Eales, who’s always going above and beyond to ensure the side were set to go.

To all the Bears that have made the big dance, good luck and go Bears.

C Reserve

Tungamah 32 def Deni Rovers 20

Tungamah came up against the undefeated Deni Rovers in the preliminary final held at Waaia.

The warm weather was perfect for netball and Tungamah revelled in it.

The first quarter was a defence master class with Jenny Buerckner, Felicity Irvine and Ally Cooper disrupting the Rovers attack.

It was the battle of Best attack line V the best defence line for the season.

The first quarter was a tight affair with Tungamah going into the first break 8-4 up.

The second quarter saw the introduction of Renee Wren. Her tracking of her WA and hands over pressure was fantastic, forcing the high ball into the circle that allowed Jenny & Felicity to do what they do best - pick up intercepts.

Renee’s drive out of defence allowed Tungamah to bring the ball down and she connected with our attack line so many times.

At half time the lead had extended to 19-7. The third quarter saw Ally, Lisa Ramadge, Sharelle Vella and Amy Hollister combine to get on circle edge and feed Kandy Vella, Sandy Dickie and Sophie Lidgerwood to extend the sides lead.

Alli Courtney came on and showed her great lean and hands over pressure to restrict the potent Rovers attack.

The fourth quarter saw some new combinations with Tash Beaton entering the court at WD to keep the pressure on the rovers attack.

Renee and Alli were back together in the ring making the rovers work hard for every ball, Sophie and Kandy converted in attack.

With a full team effort, including the amazing support from Charlotte, Goudie and Bec Smith, Tungamah were the victors with the final score 32-20.

The Grand Final is a rematch of the Semi Final against Waaia with Tungamah determined to reverse that outcome.

Under 15s

Tungamah 39 def by Jerilderie 42

Unfortunately, the Under 15s went down in the preliminary final, in what was a thrilling and fast-paced game of netball.

The scores were locked at half and three-quarter time, showing just how evenly matched the contest was.

Every player played their part and gave it their all right until the final whistle.

A huge thank you to the wonderful Under 15 coaches, Jen B and Tahnee P.

The time, wisdom and effort they have poured into the team this season has not gone unnoticed and is truly appreciated by both the players and their families.

Thank you also to team manager Illa for keeping the side organised.

The Under 15s are also grateful for their parent group gave their time and support throughout the season.

Lastly, to the players, while the side fell just one week short, what an incredible season it has been.

Tungamah has loved watching the players skills develop and even more importantly, friendships grow.

Bring on 2026, go Bears.

Under 13s

Tungamah 23 def by Blighty 27

The Tungamah Under 13s took on Blighty in the Preliminary Final, going down in a tough battle by four points.

Unfortunately, the Under 13s weren’t able to get the win which wrapped up their season, one week earlier than they hoped for.

With many of the girls being bottom age Under 13s, this year was their first taste of finals netball and they certainly rose to the occasion.

The girls have had a marvellous season and should all be extremely proud of their efforts.

Charlotte, Taylah, Ivy and Emma have shot beautifully throughout the year, while the midcourt team of Annabelle, Milli, Ava, Jade, Sophie and Lyla grew stronger with each round, proving to be little weapons who gave their all.

Sienna, Eliza P, Eliza L and Georgie were consistently strong in defence, playing tough and smart netball together every week.

The scribe wrote “it’s been a real pleasure watching these young ladies play each week at such a strong standard.

“A huge thank you goes to our amazing coaches, Bern and Leonie, for their guidance, knowledge and support all season.

“Finally, we’d like to acknowledge our families for their unwavering support and the many kilometres travelled each week to ensure the girls could enjoy the game they love so much.

“You truly are the real MVPs, Tunagmah would like to wish our three remaining teams the best of luck, for their Grand Finals next week.”