Bears through to the last dance

Goals: Tungamah: A. Saunders 5, D. Symes 4, B. Beaton 4, J. Cooper 4, X. Stevenson 2, Z. Scott 1, J. Irvine 1.

Strathmerton: T. Looby 8, D. Robinson 2, L. Oswald 1, M. Ryan 1.

Best: Tungamah: T. Jones, J. Cooper, D. Symes, S. Ferguson, A. Saunders, J. Irvine.

Strathmerton: D. Robinson, A. Crestani, M. Shannon, M. McMillan.

The PDFNL Club Champions for 2022, the Tungamah Football Netball Club has pulled off an incredible feat with seven of their ten teams who played in Preliminary Finals over the weekend progressing through to the Grand Final to be held at Katunga this Saturday.

This will be the first time since returning to the Picola and District Football Netball League that the Bears have made the big dance after being league heavyweights before making the switch to the Murray Football Netball League.

Seniors

Last Saturday Tungamah travelled out to sunny Rennie to tackle PDFNL powerhouse Strathmerton for a chance to play in a Grand Final.

The ground and facilities were in fantastic condition and the players were primed to put on a show. The first quarter this week was in stark contrast to 2 weeks prior in the Qualifying final, on that occasion Tungamah were slow out of the blocks, however this week it was the first quarter where the match was won.

The Bears played some blistering footy, catching the Bulldogs off guard, as they piled on an amazing 9 goals before the first break.

Strathy kicked 3 goals of their own for the quarter, but the Bears were in control of the contest right across the ground.

The second term saw Tungamah extend its lead out to 49 points at the long break. They were able to do this with exceptional work rate and a forward line that was proving difficult to contain.

Saunders and Cooper in particular were a real handful and both forwards had 4 goals apiece at half time. Coach Stevenson was rapt with the effort at half time and urged the boys to keep pushing to ensure their path through to the Grand Final.

Strathy offered some resistance in the 3rd term, kicking the first 2 goals of the quarter within a couple of minutes. The Bears were able to steady and wrestled back the momentum for most of the quarter.

They had plenty of scoring shots but could manage only 3 goals 6 behinds, the Bulldogs kicked 2 late goals to cut the margin to 41 points at the last break.

Tungamah weren’t going to be denied and finished the game full of running kicking 5 last quarter goals to Strathy’s 2 to blow the margin out to 61 points as the final siren blew.

In what was probably the sides best performance of the season there were no passengers as everyone contributed to the win. Terence Jones was once again a standout through the middle of the ground with his clearance work and pressure around the contest a standout.

Jhett Cooper set the tone for the day with 3 first quarter goals and was a difficult match up for the Bulldog defenders. Damon Symes was a strong presence at Centre Half Forward for the majority of the day and finished with 4 majors, while Sam Ferguson set up the ground from half back and used the ball with precision while going forward.

Ash Saunders ended with 5 goals and was a constant threat in attack, while Jim Irvine found plenty of space and set up a number of goals to round out the best players.

Special mentions to Ben Beaton with 4 goals, Nick Irvine, Chris Powell and Liam Connell through the midfield and the wingers Zach Scott and Oscar Willis for their run and carry which in the end was too much for the Bulldogs to handle.

The seniors now look forward to a Grand Final clash with Waaia at Katunga next week. Last time the 2 sides met it was Waaia who got the chocolates on their home deck in a close contest.

Hopefully the Bears will be able to turn the tables when it matters most and finish off the season with a premiership.

Reserves

Tungamah 12.7.79 defeated Berrigan 3.3.21.

Without due accolades for last week’s inspiring pregame address the Reserves ran it again and asked the boys to settle and stay calm early, and that they did, as the supporters sat back and watched Berrigan show exactly why they are a top 4 side as the Saints took the lead into the quarter time break.

The tone was set, and Tungamah knew they were in for a hard-fought game all day. With a hard physical element in a game where head highs were only played above the ears the bash brothers Mitch “the undertake” Goldman and Will “the velvet sledgehammer” Prescott stepped up to the plate and relished the conditions.

Matt Irvine was in everything throwing his name into contention for a Logie as well, where he put some mayo on a few questionable decisions.

The big fella fended off senior coaches with one hand and 4 to 5 opponents with the other. Only thing left for this bloke to do is learn how to pick up the ball without bending over.

Jarrod O’Shea has finally figured out when to peak in the season as he makes it to one week out from the big dance without a senior call up.

This bloke proves he talks the talk and walks the walk, as he told the boys to just take anything physical thrown at them then demonstrated how the foetal position covers most vital organs 5 minutes later. The only Irvine son to not be omitted to the later game was in career best form as he settled the boys in the second quarter getting the game back on the Bears terms. Has potential!

Player tried his best to reduce his dental bill by getting a few teeth loosened up on the field. Dan Clarke woke up Sunday morning feeling like Mike Tyson’s punching bag as he threw is body into every contest.

Still trying to find a spot on the ground this bloke can’t play well in. Good to see Brett Smith get to participate in a game this season, this bloke is more loyal to his goal square and tighter to his opponent than Bruce McAvaney is to his microphone.

A great win and a fantastic season to see the lunch time legends book a spot in the big dance.

Goals: M. Irvine 4, B. Irvine 2, M. Bourke 2, M. Goldman 1, T. Lidgerwood 1, A. Richardson 1, D. Clarke 1.

Best: M. Irvine, B. Irvine, T. Lidgerwood, D. Clarke, M. Goldman, B. Smith.

Thirds

Tungamah 12.8.80 defeated Strathmerton 4.5.29.

The Bears took on Strathmerton at the Tocumwal Oval which looked like a postcard. The boys were all pumped to be playing for a spot in the Grand Final which they had been working towards all season.

The first quarter was a real arm wrestle with both backlines working hard and kept the first term goalless for both sides.

The second quarter was much the same with the ball moving from one end to the other with no easy possessions to be had as the tackling was fierce and the ball carriers under constant pressure.

Both sides kicked 2 goals each for the term and the Bears went into the half time break with a 1-point lead. Sidey was pleased with the Bears pressure and demanded the Thirds lift a gear to break the game open.

The boys put their heads over the ball and got the momentum they needed and put 5-goals on the board to the Bulldogs 1 to grab a 23-point lead going into the final term.

With a Grand Final position in sight the Bears broke the game open and kicked another 5-goals for the quarter and held the Bulldogs to 1 to run out 51-point winners and grab their spot in the big one.

Geoff Montgomery, Liam Williams and Jayden Arnold all had a great day working hard and gathering many possessions driving the ball forward to create scoring opportunities.

Mick Hughes, Alec Williams and Nathan Weir held firm in the backline to limit Strathmerton’s scoring ability. Lach Phillips worked hard taking a couple of hangers and coming home with 6 goals to his name and Jack Costigan playing in the pocket grabbed 3 cheeky goals to finish off a great day.

Dan O'Brien had his best game for the year and slotted 2 goals himself. Overall, it was a fantastic team effort with every player contributing to bring home a fantastic win and a well-earned spot in the Grand Final.

Goals: Lach Phillips 6, Jack Costigan 3, Dan O'Brien 2, Liam Williams 1.

Awards: Beaton Family Awards - Geoff Montgomery, Jayden Arnold, Jackson Baker, Dan O'Brien and Mick Hughes.

Fourths

Tungamah 3.12.30 defeated by Deni Rovers 9.7.61.

Wow what a ride it has been this year! The Fourths were the dominant side all year until Saturday, and unfortunately were beaten by a better side on the day.

From the oldest top age kids to the youngest, the coaches are super proud of every single one of them who wore the Tungamah jumper this year with pride.

This finals campaign for the Bears kids will only make them stronger for next time. The boys can hold their heads up high, as they know they did the very best they could do.

Thanks to everyone who has put their hands up to help this year. Good luck to all in the finals.

In other good news, Lucas Eales took out the league best and fairest for the Under 14s last week with a great individual effort for season 2022. Well done Lucas.

Goals: J. Walker 2, L. Eales 1.

Best: K. Michael, L. O'Brien, B. Grant, A. Doyle, J. Houston, B. Goudie.