Bears roar past Berrigan

Goals: Tungamah: N. Mckeown 6, J. Cheek 2, S. Johns 2, B. Hayes, J. Irvine, L. Lonergan.

Berrigan: L. Brown 3, D. Cupido 2, K. Tallent, L. Conboy, M. Peters, H. Middleton.

Best: Tungamah: G. Montgomery, S. Ferguson, J. Irvine, C. Phibbs, A. Ford, S. Johns.

Berrigan: L. Conboy, J. Dalgliesh, L. Brown, O. Hill, G. Surrey, M. Whelan.

The game started out with Berrigan swinging like they’d been drinking Red Bull out of a cowboy boot, and for 30 minutes, the Bears looked more lost than a tradie at a yoga retreat.

Quarter-time siren goes, and Tungamah were scratching their heads, Berrigan fans are already posting selfies with the scoreboard, and the coaches wondered if Tungamah accidentally rocked up to the right game.

Jim Irvine didn’t like the sides start one bit, so he come out in the second quarter with a personal vendetta against the scoreboard and changed the way the game was played from the middle of the ground with his larger sized body.

From that point onwards, it was a better showing from the Bears.

Sam Ferguson turned into a wrecking ball in boots and Connor Phibbs was slicker than a mullet in the wind off the half back flank.

As mentioned before there was a wrecking ball on the ground but there was also a freight train, but in the form of our centre half forward, Angus Ford.

Ford has hit some serious form, just ask him.

Sean Johns who’s also been back to his best shut down Berrigan attacks like a nightclub bouncer on a power trip and suddenly the scoreline started looking a whole lot healthier.

Ned Mckeown kicked another six goals, he is putting up numbers like it’s a video game.

Not only does he now lead the league in goal kicking, but we’re starting to think he charges rent for the forward 50.

Special shoutout to Flynn Fletcher, who’s suddenly remembered tackling is a thing.

Now that the club has Premier Data stats, Flynn is worried his ranking points are in danger.

Word is he tackled four blokes in the car park after the game just to pad the numbers.

Keep it up, Fletch, stats never lie.

The score finished with Tungamah winning by 25 points in what was a goalless quarter for Berrigan.

It was messy, passionate, and ended with a lot of high fives.

Picola next week as the Seniors look it 7 wins in a row.

Reserves

Tungamah 17.11:113 def Berrigan 2.0:12

In 2015, this would’ve been a feared team list.

In 2025, it just reminds the treasurer to check the insurance is paid and the trainers to stock up on strapping tape as we set about putting the old band back together for the Irvine Cup.

The man of the hour, T. Irvine, was back with some vintage Tommy.

His mouth moving faster than his feet, but letting the scoreboard do the talking as he slotted five majors.

O’Shea once again wandered up to the forward line.

After a career spent behind the ball, he booted four goals.

Profusely claiming he’s a back-man no more, he’s seen the bright lights and is refusing to go home.

Rangi found more ball than a golden retriever in a tennis ball factory, getting to contests in every zone of the ground.

Ash Scott earned uncontested touches on the wing like he was playing in his own timeslot.

Down back, Jack McQualter took a page out of the Gambi Handbook of defensive catastrophes — Chapter 1; Switch Kicks and how to gift a goal.

If Gambi’s teaching kicking, Jack’s clearly staying back for extra lessons.

The smiles were sharp, and so was the defence.

JJ returned from his Seniors stint like a man possessed, or at least someone violently allergic to handballing.

He played the entire game on fast-forward, evading teammates, ignoring options, and slicing through space like the Challenger shuttle.

His crowning moment came when he took three bounces in the first 15 metres and none in the next 40.

All in all, it was one of our best performances of the year.

The Irvine Cup stays at the Bear Pit for another year.

Goals: T. Irvine 5, J. O'Shea 4, P. Haebich 3, T. Hayes 2, D. Payne 2, A. Scott.

Best: S. Kellock, T. Hayes, A. Scott, T. Irvine, J. O'Shea, J. Jones.

Thirds

Tungamah 9.10: 64 def Berrigan 8.8: 56

The Thirds had taken on a strong Berrigan outfit at the Bear pit this week.

Berrigan started strongly, kicking the first goal of the game with Tunga quickly settling into their normal rhythm.

In the first quarter the Thirds showed glimpses of what both teams could do, and the scene was set for a great match.

The first quarter ended with only a goal difference, but by half time Tungamah had started to take more control of the match and led by two goals.

The Bears dominated the third quarter and were running well off the back line and seamlessly moving it down to our forward line.

Holding a 14 point lead going into the last quarter, the Bears still had a bit to do to secure the win.

The side battled hard with Berrigan fighting to the last moments, but Tungamah came away with an eight point win.

It was a great contest and the boys really showed their fighting spirit to get the job done.

Goals: B. Doyle 3, Z. Bramich 3, L. Lonergan 1, N. Dickins 1, A. Doyle 1.

Awards: C. Ridley, L. O’Brien, S. Goudie, X. Chessells.

Fourths

Tungamah 4.0.24 def by Berrigan 13.7.85

It was another tough game for the Fourths this week.

The side came out with purpose, kicking three goals in the opening quarter to take the lead.

The pressure the Fourths applied all over the ground was brilliant and set a strong tone for the match.

However, Berrigan fought back to level the score by halftime.

In the second half, Berrigan proved to be too strong for Tungamah, and despite the Fourths never giving up, they struggled to keep pace with the bigger Berrigan players.

Looking ahead, Tungamah have another challenging game next week.

It’s essential that the Fourths continue to attend training and push forward to improve.

Keep up the hard work, team.

Fifths

No Score.

Back to the early time slot and Jack Frost had paid a visit to Jubilee Park.

With the head of coaching and performance leading the charge and a Fox officiating the game, the Bear cubs and youngest Saints put on a great show.

The large crowd that had gathered loved the sportsmanship shown by the Bear Cubs in helping the Saints out to even up the numbers.

Awards: Crusty Loaf - Kobi Dickens, Intersport Wingates - Eddie Pettit, TFNC - Mav Arnold & Noah Whiting, Tunga Shop - Ryan Beggs.

A Grade

Tungamah 58 def Berrigan 20

Tungamah delivered a dominant team performance to return to the winners list with a commanding 38-point victory over Berrigan.

A fast start gave the Bears early momentum, taking a nine-goal lead into quarter time and extending it to 13 by the main break.

The third quarter proved decisive once again, with Tungamah ramping up the pressure and outscoring the Saints 15 goals to 3 in a blistering display.

A relentless final quarter, highlighted by full-court defensive pressure that kept Berrigan scoreless for the first seven minutes, sealed a comprehensive win for the Bears.

A special congratulations to Charli Cummins on making her A Grade debut.

Awards: Players' player - Keely Holcombe, Free as a Bird - Bella Cavka, Jacyees Award - Amy Perry.

B Grade

Tungamah 45 drew Berrigan 45

Last week saw a thrilling clash between Tungamah and Berrigan that finished in a nail-biting draw.

While B Grade dropped off in the first quarter, the side showed immense composure to fight back and claim the last three quarters, levelling the final score.

It was a great opportunity for the team to experience playing under genuine scoreboard pressure.

This match proved the old saying right; don’t judge a book by its cover.

Despite Berrigan sitting lower on the ladder, B Grade’s pre-game analysis signalled that they weren’t to be taken lightly, and they certainly delivered a strong contest.

A great challenge and valuable experience for the girls as the Bears continue their push through the season.

A special mention goes to Under 17s girls Laila, Maddi Kelly and Maddie Scott who stepped up for their B Grade debut in the third quarter.

Each was given a clear role, and they delivered with confidence and composure.

It’s incredibly satisfying to know Tungamah have such talented and enthusiastic juniors coming through.

B Grade are excited to support their development and give valuable exposure to senior netball.

Awards: Players player Mug - Mollie Walton, Purtles - Eliza Smith, Jaycee's - Brodie Gissing.

C Grade

Tungamah 43 def Berrigan 14

With an undermanned side a far cry from the army battalion they usually march in with, C Grade had taken to the court under strict orders, no injuries, no heroics, and absolutely no risky business.

Billie and Kiera were strategically stationed on the sidelines as psychological weapons, intimidating Berrigan with the illusion that they held the secret formula to success.

Bern returned to her happy place at centre and was on fire.

She didn’t even break a sweat and if she did, it probably evaporated mid-sprint.

After last week’s attempt at enhancing performance ended with her launching a slippery ball into orbit, she chose to simply trust the process this time and it paid off.

Dim spent the first quarter conning everyone into thinking she was sweet and harmless but spoiler alert; she was absolutely not.

Like the Miley Cyrus-style wrecking ball she truly is, she smashed through Berrigan’s defence with zero apologies and full determined energy.

Down in the goal circle, Remi, Danielle and Illa treated the crowd (and a group of very invested old ducks at the end of the court) to a shooting clinic.

At the other end, defenders Jorja, Bridie and Rahni were rock solid.

The trio caused havoc for Berrigan’s attacking end.

Off to Picola next week, for another one of those scenic drives down Sandmount Road.

Awards: Miss Dolly: Bern, Tungamah Pub: Bridie, Players player: Dim.

C Reserve

Tungamah 41 def Berrigan 16

After a tight first half C Reserve reduced their error rate in the third and fourth quarters.

Another full team effort to break away.

A good warm up for a few weeks of tough matches coming up.

Awards: Miss Dolly – Charlotte, Jaycees – Sharelle, Players Mug - Bec.

Under 17s

Tungamah 25 def by Berrigan 54

Berrigan got the jump from the start and continued to push out the score throughout the game.

Dispute coaches changing of positions and rotating players throughout the game unfortunately Berrigan were too strong.

To the Under 17s credit, they fought till the end and held their heads high, encouraging each other.

Thank you to Claire, Chloe and Torah for supporting us today.

Awards: Talk Award - Abbi and Charli, Central Murray Bank – Laila, Tungamah shop - Mads K, Crusty Loaf - Maddi S.

Under 15s

Tungamah 57 def Berrigan 21

It was a true team performance, with every player contributing to the scoreboard and bringing their strengths onto the court.

Torah was the rebound queen, dominating the backline and pulling in every loose ball.

Kiera impressed with her incredibly accurate shooting, while Chloe was constantly on the move in the ring, creating space and opportunities.

Asha showed great strength with powerful drives down the court, and Sienna zig-zagged through the midcourt, keeping the ball in motion.

Billie never stopped moving, providing plenty of support through the midcourt. Chaye applied relentless defensive pressure, making it hard for Berrigan to find their rhythm.

Grace leapt high and fought fiercely for every ball, and Claire stayed smart and composed, always staying in front of her player.

Paige was a consistent option around the ring, helping keep the under 15s attack flowing.

It was a fantastic team game filled with energy, teamwork, and determination.

Awards: Bamford – Grace, Tungamah Shop – Asha, Crusty Loaf – Kiera, Talk Award – Billie.

Under 13s

Tungamah 41 def Berrigan 5

Tungamah came out firing in Round 11, securing a dominant 41–5 win over Berrigan in a fantastic team performance.

Last week, Tungamah focused on delivering cleaner passes, driving strongly onto the ball, and taking two-handed intercepts which the side absolutely nailed across the court.

The improvement in ball movement and pressure was clear to see, with everyone contributing to a well-structured and confident game.

Emma led by example with great composure, Georgie was rock solid up both ends, Sophie was everywhere through the midcourt with strong drives and quick transitions while Jade impressed with her work rate and movement.

The Friday night team also had a great win with Ivy and Layla bringing great energy and impact, earning themselves the Friday Night Netball awards.

Awards: Attwood Builders – Emma, Crusty Loaf – Georgie, Intersport Wingates – Sophie, Tungamah Shop – Jade, Friday Night Netball: Rich Glen – Ivy & Layla.

Under 11s

No Score.

On a cold and frosty morning, the under 11s were ready to take on the saints.

The Pigeons moved the ball swiftly down the court, resulting in some beautiful goaling from five different players.

The defenders didn’t get much action but when they did, made the most of it.

They had stolen intercepts left right and centre, highlighted by an under 9s player who stepped up to help the under 11s.

Overall, it was a great game and the girls had lots of fun.

Awards: Tunga Shop – Kiah, Crusty Loaf – Maeve.