Tungamah travelled to Strathmerton on Saturday to take on another top 4 aspirant.
After a string of comfortable victories, the Bears were keen to test themselves against some good opposition. Both teams started strongly, and the contest was physical from the outset.
Strathy had their noses in front early with a couple of majors, however the Bears steadied and went into the quarter time break 4 points down.
The second term was a real arm wrestle, both sides had patches where they were in control of the contest, however the defences held firm.
Tungamah kicked 2 goals 4 for the quarter, while they only let through a solitary behind to take an 11-point lead into the long break.
The game changed a little after half time. Strathy got more numbers behind the ball and increased their pressure around the contest.
The Bears were winning plenty of the ball around the stoppages, however they weren’t as clean with their hands and put themselves under pressure with their disposal.
Strathy kicked 6 goals to 3 with the breeze and held a 1 goal lead at the final change.
The last term was more of the same from Tungamah, as they struggled to get clean possessions and continually kicked the ball to the Bulldog’s numbers.
This made it almost impossible to score and the home side were able to secure a 15-point win.
Wally Thomson continued his great form with a strong display in defence, he had the better of a classy opponent and was also able to set up many attacking moves to be Tungamah’s best on the day.
Dylan Robinson was also solid across half back winning a lot of one-on-one contests and driving the ball forward.
Sam Ferguson, Mitch Adkins and Sean Johns were all solid through the midfield, however it is fair to say the Bears midfield lowered their colours on the day.
Dylan Scott again provided plenty of run and carry out of defence and continued his fine season.
A bit of work to do for the senior group as they look to bounce back against Jerilderie this Saturday at Tungamah.
Awards: Ski Club - Wally Thomson, One Zach - Mitch Adkins, Mulwala Bakery - James Reilly.
Yarrawonga Toyota Player of the Year: 3 W. Thomson, 2 D. Robinson, 1 S. Ferguson.
Reserves
Strathmerton 4.6.30 defeated by Tungamah 11.9.75.
Round 5 saw the grand final rematch which was the equivalent of a trip to the modern-day city of Babylon for a look back at its former glory as both teams struggled to field teams.
However, Tungamah knew they had luck on their side when both speedsters Jackson Baker and Tom Cos rocked up, on time, to an away game.
The pair remains fairly unknown to the opposition… and their own team.
Jackson was dominate throughout the game getting more touches than a flinders St Myki station whilst Cosi was everywhere like a ferret on meth.
Word has it the coaches are looking to make training prohibited if it continues to produce results like these.
Henderson was more inconsistent than Tom Cruise’s acting career early, kicking 1 goal 4 in the first quarter before homing in the sights.
The Bears welcomed Terrance Jones back to the lunch time legends as he went about boring through packs like a questionable vindaloo through the lower intestines.
Rangi proceeds to show no remorse to the senior selectors as he continues to demonstrate just how far above reserves standard he actually is. The only thing keeping him in the early game now is the 2 o’clock bar time, but the scribe feels this may carry some serious weight in his decision.
With these two in the midfield Saunders proved about as useful as pedals on a wheelchair and provided about as much drive.
Michael Hughes is somehow even better in his second game of the day adding another opponent’s scalp to the trophy cabinet.
Brayden Beaton seemed about as happy as a post man at dog show for his return game. But kept those around him happy providing plenty of use.
Hicksey goes dry for another week.
Goals: J. Baker, T. Hayes, T. Costigan, M. Hughes, J. Kelly, D. Clarke.
Best: Jeremy Kelly, Daniel Clarke (Stiff - T. Jones).
Awards: Jackson Baker - Tungamah Hotel, Travis Hayes - Ski Club, Thomas Costigan – Wingates, Michael Hughes - Ricky D’s.
Thirds
Strathmerton 5.8.38 defeated by Tungamah 18.10.118.
The Bears were welcomed by the Bulldogs to their home ground on a cool but sunny morning which was ideal for footy.
The Bears had strung together three wins on the trot however knew they were up for a tough game against Strathy. Right from the first bounce both sides were going hard and strong at the ball.
The Bears were too strong on the day and were able to come away with a convincing win.
Malique Beer who was playing in only his second Aussie Rules game kicked 4 fantastic goals and inspired his team.
Kade Michael and Archie Doyle also played their best game for the season so far. It was great to see all players contributing and looking forward to our next match.
Goals: Malique Beer – 4, Kade Michael & Jayden Arnold – 3, Lenny Lonergan – 2, Tom Coffey, Jack Costigan, Jaxon Raven, Xander Smith, Jake Walker and Lachlan Wren - 1
Awards: Coaches - Malique Beer, Credit Union - Kade Michael, Seniors - Damien Walker, McQualter-Whyte - Xander Smith, Tungamah General Store - Archie Doyle, Hemphill family Award - Mick Hughes and Beaton Family Award - Jaydon Arnold.
Fourths
Strathmerton 4.8.32 defeated by Tungamah 12.11.83.
The Bears arrived at Strathy to find the ground had quite a heavy dew. For the first time this year the boys were playing on a wet ground, proving to be quite difficult.
The Strathy boys came out fighting and with the Bears struggling to kick accurately in the first half, there was a far more even contest.
Half time saw the Bears up by only 2 points and heads were starting to drop. Tom delivered his best motivational speech to get the boys back up and about.
The Bears started to play better footy maximising their opportunities, playing as a team and clearly won the last half.
It was an impressive team effort that got the Bears the 51 point win in the end.
Thoughts are with one of the young fourths kids from Strathmerton that suffered a knock to the head in the last quarter and ended up in Melbourne Royal Children's. The TFNC wish him a speedy recovery.
Goals: Billy Doyle 3, Chase Payne 3, Slater Goudie 2, Xavier Chessells 1, Spencer Kirchen 1, Lachlan Wren 1, Harry Wren 1.
Best: Lachlan Wren, Jett Bamford, Billy Doyle, Tague Saunders, Slater Goudie, Chase Payne.
Awards: Chase Payne - Tungamah Store Pizza Award, Tague Saunders - Seniors $10 Award, Jett Bamford - Arnold $10 Award, Slater Goudie - Crusty Loaf Pie and Drink.
Bear Cubs/ Fifths
In the first nice wet dewy morning of the season Tungamah travelled to Strathmerton to take on the Bulldog pups.
In a very scrappy and slippery first half the pups had the bear cubs on the back foot as they kicked 3 goals without Tungamah scoring.
Layken was fantastic under pressure in the backline repelling many attacks. While Tyler took the game on at the other end.
Cooper was again in and under but the goals were not coming. A master shuffle of the board and a plea to the cubs in the last quarter saw them lift.
With a few clearances going the bear cubs way, Ryder Kelly in a best on ground performance and his best game to date bagged himself a couple of nice goals.
The yap and determination of Juddy Parker had the dogs worried that the bears were going to get over the line and with the momentum going Tungamah’s way the siren sounded.
Awards: Ryder Kelly - Crusty Loaf, Tyler Bueckner - Yarrawonga Fish & Chips, Layken Saunders – Tungamah Store and Judd Parker – McDonalds.
