Debutants combine for 7 as Bears prevail

Goalkickers: C Nye 4, J Cheek 3, J Irvine 3, T Green 3, L Lonergan 2, A Miller 2, D Payne, T Lidgerwood, A Psaltiras.

Best: J Arnold, J Reilly, J Irvine, A Ford, T Green, S Ferguson

The Bears were looking to get back on the winners list after a hard-fought loss the week prior. Some more injuries meant there was plenty of youth in the side with five of the Under 17 boys playing as well as Cam Nye and Tyler Green debuting.

Despite kicking with the wind early on, the conditions were tricky and the much-improved Blighty were making life difficult for the inexperienced Bears. It took until after halftime for the Bears to really kick into gear.

Jaydo Arnold was BOG by the length of the Flemington straight and the debutants Nye and Green kicked four and three respectively, with the Bears running away 58-point winners.

Awards: J Arnold - One Zach; G Ford - Tungamah Hotel; T Green - Mulwala Ski Club.

Reserves

Tungamah 5.3, 9.9, 14.12, 20.18138

Blighty 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0

Goalkickers: J Henderson 8, J Connell 2, J Williams 2, J Doig 2, J Jones 2, D Ellis, J Assh, J Costigan, W Prescott.

Best: J Costigan, J Kelly, J Holcombe, J Henderson, J Connell, W Prescott.

Well, it was colder than the underside of a penguin when we rocked into Blighty. It was lucky the old captain was back this week as the vice’s Covid test racked up the two lines.

We set the forward line with more firepower than North Korea’s army and went to work. The tall timber ‘Velvet’ Prescott relished in a bit of “me time” up forward, dragging in some Nick Riewoldt-esque marks.

‘Mastercard’ Henderson continues to take credit for the midfield’s good work, slotting eight to 11 majors depending on when you ask him. Jezza had the statistician calling for a new pen, with the ink running low counting his centre clearances.

Many of the young blokes were able to get on the end of a few majors, with ‘Teflon’ Doig producing some quality crumbing for two. While the score was a bit one-sided it was all in good spirits and credit to the Blighty lunchtime legends for the solid banter!

Fourths

Tungamah 8.5, 14.6, 19.13, 25.15.165

Blighty 0.0, 0.1, 0.1, 0.1.1

Goalkickers: B.Doyle 7, J.Bamford 5, C.Payne 3, C.Beggs, T.Buerckner, X.Chessells, F.Cummins, R.Kelly, T.Lawrence, I.McLarty, J.Morritt, L.Saunders, T.Saunders.

With eight kids absent this week, the coaches seized the opportunity to promote some of the fifth kids, allowing them to gain experience in the game.

Right from the first bounce, the Young Bears took complete control of the ball and maintained their dominance throughout. The level of skill displayed was exceptional, with the boys hitting targets brilliantly to move the ball forward.

The coaches strategically adjusted player positions to ensure that everyone had ample opportunities to participate in the game. The older boys actively involved all the younger Bears by passing the ball, enabling them to score goals as well.

Remarkably, we witnessed a total of 13 different goalscorers, including three first-time goals from a couple of fourths kids and all fifths kids also snagged a major. These achievements were a testament to the team’s outstanding teamwork, exemplary skills and selfless plays.

Awards: I McLarty, F Cummins, L Saunders, R Kelly - Rich Glen; B.Doyle - Bamford Builders; C Payne - Yarrawonga Golf Club: L O’Brien - Tungamah Shop; C Beggs - Intents Fishing.

Fifths

The sun wasn’t quite out but the young guns were as they made the short trip to Redeye country to face Blighty. The boys thrived on the fresh conditions as teamwork, making space and playing for one another were on display from start to finish.

Thanks to Blighty for a great game and to our committed parents who continually support our boys through training and game day. Awards: N Whiting - Tungamah Shop; L Ridley, E Pettit - TFNC Award.

NETBALL

A Grade

Tungamah 50 defeated Blighty 33

Saturday’s game felt like make or break and the girls were determined to get a win. The girls came together as a team, with players supporting and encouraging each other throughout the game.

This positive team dynamic played a vital role in their overall performance. Anna come on in GA, and her ability to create space and drive hard was instrumental in creating scoring opportunities not only for herself but for Lauren also.

Meanwhile, Maddi's drives through the midcourt created set up and resulted in crucial intercepts down the court. Overall, it was a great team effort which the girls should be proud of and a result to build on in the next couple of weeks. Awards: A Zannin - Miss Dolly; M Cheek - Intersport.

B Grade

Tungamah 59 defeated Blighty 16

The girls really dominated the court with an impressive score of 59-16! Kars and Marissa worked well together, both holding and moving around the ring. Kudos to Gracie, Kav and Sophie for making such a big impact in the midcourt and to Izzy, Brodie, Tahnee, and Molly for their outstanding defence.

The team showed its true potential and proved just how good they can be. It’s satisfying to see our hard work and skills from Thursday night trainings pay off on the court.

Congrats to Gracie (Wingates award) and Izzy (Miss Dolly) - you girls played an awesome game. Let’s keep up this amazing performance and show everyone what the B-Grader Bears are made of!

C Grade

Tungamah 58 defeated Blighty 11

After an even first few minutes the Bears took control of the game. Up by six at the first break the team took it up a notch in the second to be up by 19 at the long break.

A couple of position changes saw the lead extended to 32 at three-quarter-time. Fresh legs in the last saw the Bears take the game by 47 goals.

A strong team performance with full court defence a highlight of the game. Danielle and Tay were very accurate in the ring. Hannah, Sharelle and Elli generated run throughout the midcourt. Remi, Nat, Beth and Bridie worked very well together and generated many turnovers in defence. Huge thanks to Jade for sitting on our bench.

Awards: H Moore - Players Player and Lash Revolution; N Howard - Yarrawonga Pilates; S. Vella - Rich Glen.

C Reserve

Tungamah 28 defeated Blighty 13

The girls came out strong on a cold and windy day against a competitive Blighty. The girls showed fight and want for the ball all day, which paid off with a great win!

From defence to attack the ball moved smoothly through the court with plenty of turnovers going our way! Fantastic work girls on a great win - well deserved!

Awards: C Sinclair - Ricky D’s Pizza; J Walker - Rich Glen; L Eder - Jaycees.

Under 17s

Tungamah 53 defeated Blighty 14

The girls came out strong in the first quarter, taking a 13-goal lead. Vic and Jaz displayed excellent teamwork, constantly looking for each other in the ring and capitalising on scoring opportunities.

Dim's presence in the midcourt provided valuable space and drive. As the game progressed, the team continued to extend their lead by implementing a well-executed press, which we practiced at training.

The girls focused on applying defensive pressure, which held Blighty to just 14 goals throughout the entire game. Overall, it was a fantastic performance by the team.

The early lead, combined with the steady heads and patience resulted in a great win.

Awards: M Looby - CMCU; D Connell- Tungamah Shop.

Under 15s

Tungamah 30 defeated Blighty 4

The sun was out but the wind was icy at Blighty, it took our ladies a while to warm up. The game consisted of lots of back and forth from one end to other with our shooter’s accuracy on point. Our defenders were a defensive wall and not many plays got past them.

Abbi took advice from the coaches at quarter time and was able to implement some new defensive strategies. Tayla was a strong centre player always driving forward as well as providing soothing encouragement when needed. Thank you to Billie for stepping up from U13s.

Awards: A McLarty - Tungamah Shop; T Mason - CMCU.

Under 13s

Tungamah 8 defeated Blighty 5

The sun is shining but the wind had other ideas for our game against Blighty. The windy conditions saw the ball being caught up in it. Not all passes and shots on goal went to plan. However, the girls did their best, never gave up and did it all with their heads up.

They went in determined and that determination was rewarded with a win. Well done, girls. Big shout-out to Jen for stepping in and coaching the girls - thank you.

Awards: T Blick - Tungamah shop; A Kelly - Yarra Fish and Chips; S Ridley - Rich Glen; L Payne - Bamford Builders.

Under 11s

Our little rockets absolutely killed the game today. Their skills are noticeably improving with every game. Our awards this week went to: Tilly Lawless, who gave the team her all and scored a ripper goal; Jade, who ran her little legs off for the ball; and Winnie who gave everything and left it on the court.

Overall, a great game from all our girls and a big thank you to Blighty and the parents for this weekend!