Injuries, heat wear down Bears

Katandra 3.1, 7.6, 10.6, 12.7.79

Goals: J Irvine 4, C Powell 3, J Atar, T Lidgerwood.

Best: A Ford, A Reilly, J Irvine, F Fletcher, C Powell, D Psaltiras

It was a perfect Saturday at Jubilee Park for the first home game of the 2024 season. The seniors took a lot of momentum into the match following on from their last quarter efforts against Rennie and burst out of the blocks.

The hotly contested game however took a toll on the Bears forcing them to activate the super-sub, Lenny Lonergan, early after Lachie Thompson injured his quad. Lonergan picked up where he left off last week taking a huge, contested mark against some bigger bodies leading to a score and capping off a great opening quarter with the Bears kicking 4.4 to Katandra’s 3.1.

The Kats lifted the pressure in the second stanza winning the contested ball and putting the Bears to the sword with their spread. Fresh off providing CPR to an unwell citizen last weekend, Angus Ford was doing his best to keep the Bears alive with some great defensive efforts and intercept marking across halfback but it was the Kats who took a 20-point lead into half time.

A differing of opinions early in the third quarter meant the Kats were down to 17 players. The tag team of Atar and ‘The Sommelier’, Al Reilly, gave the Bears the ascendancy in the middle. Roaming Wally Thompson was causing the opposition some real headaches with his run and carry, feeding the football to the ever-hungry Jim ‘Norm’ Irvine. Irvine was doing a fantastic impersonation of his co-colleague and fellow ginger full-forward Gooba Saunders, slotting four majors in the quarter and pegging the score back to a 13-point deficit at the final change. Despite the great work rate from the likes of Adkins, Cheek and Ferguson the warm conditions and injuries were too much to overcome with the Kats finishing as 20-point winners.

Reserves

Tungamah 0.1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3.9

Katandra 6.3, 11.6, 15.14, 18.18.126

Goals: M Bramich

Best: D Murray, A Heslin, M Bramich, J Connell, C Bourke.

With what appeared to be the Katandra senior side rolling out for the early game, the lunch time legends were aware that we would have to stay on our toes. Sadly, no amount of fancy toe walking could stop the ensuing onslaught, as the Cats rattled the Ressie Bears. Damon Murray was working harder than a fiddler’s elbow as the Cats continued to smash the weary Bears like a Zinger Box at 3am. The goal umpires were calling for rotations after halftime from the high intensity work out, as the backline continued to get shot over more times than the Middle East. It looks like the only raise the twos coaches will get this year is for their antidepressant meds! The timekeeper then put a stop to this game.

Awards: D Murray - Intersports, C Bourke - One Zach, M Bramich - Hicks Butchery

Under 17s

Tungamah 4.5 (29) defeated by Katandra 4.14 (38)

Goals: J Bamford 2, M Beer, B Krywyn

Best: D Meyers, J Walker, B Krywyn, C Walls, B Grant, A Doyle

First home game of the season and Tungamah faced a formidable challenge against Katandra. Despite the efforts in the first quarter, with Charlie showing his hunger for the ball and Lenny taking some superb marks, Tungamah struggled with their ball use and found themselves trailing behind. Heading into the second quarter, Jack Parker emerged as a standout leader, displaying strength and resilience in turning the ball over. Brae's consistent effort in lowering his eyes and contesting the ball was notable. The team were stronger this quarter, however still lacked some of their usual intent. As the halftime siren went, they were only 10 points behind.

The team found some momentum in the third quarter, with Luka's relentless running adding energy to the team, while Dean's defensive efforts made it challenging for Katandra to score. Despite the improved teamwork, Tungamah still trailed behind. The final quarter saw the boys rallying together, showing determination, and fighting spirit against a strong opponent. With some precise kicking and swift ball movement, Tungamah scored two goals and managed to unsettle Katandra. Dean Meyers and Jake Walker were instrumental in the defensive line, while Charlie Walls made a promising debut for the team. Unfortunately, Tungamah left their comeback too late and fell short against Katandra's dominance.

Despite the loss, there were positive signs of growth and potential within the team, which they can build upon in future matches.

Awards: B Krywyn - Doyles Sock Award, D Meyers - Tungamah Shop, C Walls - Hemphill Family Award, J Walker - Credit Union, A Doyle - Home Day Award

Under 14s

Tungamah 10.12 (72) defeated Katandra 4.1 (25)

Goals: B Doyle 3, T Lawrence 2, J Bamford 2, D Doyle 2, T Ussher

Best: B Doyle, X Chessells, J Bamford, T Saunders, T Ussher, S Goudie

On Saturday we came up against a much taller side and it was great to give the kids a challenge. We started slower than last week, but as TJ swooped in and secured our first goal it certainly looked promising. The onballers worked hard to keep the ball moving forward, but as the ball went down towards the backline, Harry Cummins proved he was a force to be reckoned with and he had the ball heading back towards our forward line swiftly. Xave and Slater worked well in the ruck/centre halfback combination, whilst we shared the ball well right around the ground.

With some great shepherding and teamwork, we managed to keep Katandra at bay, with the assistance of Tom Lawrence and Desi Doyle who kicked some awesome goals. Everyone on the team showed that their hard work on the training track is well worth it, hats off to Shan and Siti, the preseason efforts are really showing on game day.

Awards: Tungamah Shop – X Chessells, Doyle’s Sock Award – T Saunders, Intents Fishing $10 – H Cummins, Bamford Builders – B Doyle

Under 11s

The boys came out eager to play covering every bit of the ground using the ball well. Katandra were a bit light on for numbers and was good to see a few boys volunteer each quarter to play for the opposition to make an even game. Special mention to one of our thirds players, Archie Doyle who offered to umpire the game.

Awards: Zambrero – Ernie Inchbold, Tungamah Shop – Ryder Kelly, Umpires Award – Ryan Beggs.

Netball

A Grade

Tungamah 28 defeated by Katandra 43

The girls knew the game would be a tough one coming up against experienced Katandra. The game started out strong with the defensive pressure being high, forcing errors all the way down the court. The second quarter was our best seeing the girls slow the ball down in the attacking end and executing our passes into the goalers, not placing them under pressure. Defenders Amy and Liv put what we worked on at training into the game, swapping in the ring seamlessly and having the talk up saw numerous tap and intercepts in the ring. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to capitalise on these, seeing the scoreline blow out in the last.

Awards: O Douglas- Jaycees, A Perry- Ricky D’s Pizza

B Grade

Tungamah 26 defeated by Katandra 32

The first quarter didn’t go as planned as the Tungamah goal end couldn’t buy a goal which saw Tungamah down by nine goals in the first quarter and having to play catch up for the rest of the game. The team was very versatile with coach Molly using the interchange to the best of her ability.

The girls dug deep and won the last two quarters showing they don’t give up, which was great. To have Flick back on the court giving some wise words of wisdom and encouragement was a great attribute.

Awards: B Gissing-Jaycees, M Thomas - Intersports Wingates

C Grade

Tungamah 38 defeated Katandra 28

The team were excited for our first game of the season at the Bear Pit. A strong first quarter with all players applying defensive pressure across the court saw the Bears up by five at the first break. A very even second quarter had the lead reduced to four at half-time. A few changes in the second half across the court and some calm responses to turnovers resulted in a 10-goal win on a very hot day.

Tayla and Danielle worked very hard together in the goals. Amber, Hannah, Bernadette and Sienna gave great support across multiple positions in the midcourt. Great defence and rebound play by Nat, Beth and Remi.

Awards: N Howard - Jacyees, R McPherson - Ricky D’s, T Bate - Lash Revolution

C Reserves

Tungamah 32 defeated Katandra 31

Another well fought out game by everyone on and off the court this week, we took on a tough opponent and came away with another one-goal win. Everyone gave it their all and never gave up and it showed right across the court. Our defenders in Cait, Tash, Alysia and Leoni worked tirelessly getting lots of rebounds in the ring while our midcourters of Amy, Jade, Bella and Sienna moved the ball smoothly down the court to our shooters Charlotte, Kandy and Chelsea - who shot like champions from everywhere! The hard work these girls put in on and off court is definitely shining through.

Awards: C Sinclair - Hardluck, B Lonergan - Lash Revolution, C Gouldie - Yarrawonga Pilarties

Under 17s

Tungamah 55 defeated Katandra 22

With this week being the first home game of the season, the girls were unsure what to expect coming into this game. The first quarter saw only a four-goal lead with them not looking comfortable on the court. Heading into the second the girls came out firing with Jaz and Anna shooting an impressive 17 goals to Katandra’s three. During the game we were able to make some changes and experiment with different positions and combinations on the court. The girls had played a strong game, right from defence through to attack with our gaolers focusing on utilising each other in the ring.

Awards: Anna - Jaycees, Jaz - Tungamah Shop

Under 15s

Tungamah 59 defeated Katandra 18

The Bears had a strong start and maintained this momentum throughout the game. Improvements in our fitness showed on the court with pressure being applied for the entire game. Our teamwork was on point with players always available as backup when needed with the loose ball gets.

Awards: Indi - Rich Glen, Laila - Tungamah Shop

Under 13s

Tungamah 9 defeated by Katandra 17

First home game for the season, tough game for the girls this week. Throughout the girls displayed resilience and kept their heads held high, all four quarters. Defence was tight and we managed to turn over the ball, however goals couldn’t always be converted. After a halftime chat and reset the girls came out strong. Defensive pressure and leading from the front ensured the ball moved down the court and we managed to convert goals. Unfortunately, no win but a fantastic team effort with lots of positives all round to take forward into next week. Thank you to Annabelle and Milli for supporting us on the day.

Awards: Billy - Tungamah Shop, Ava - Bambford Builders, Asha - Yarra Fish and Chips

Under 11s

The girls had a great game all focusing on putting into practice the skills that they learnt on Thursday night. With this week’s captain Harper showing great leadership the girls had a wonderful game. Everyone showed great teamwork and the encouragement from the crowd was great. As coach Bella said there was “lots of Bears at the Bear Pit today”.

Awards: Tilly - Tungamah Shop, Sophie - Rich Glen

Minis (Under 9s)

Great game for the Minis. All the girls came into the game excited and a little nervous, but all played amazing. All girls tried a new position and were willing to give everything a go. Thanks to Katandra, all girls had a great time.

Awards: Demi - Zambreros, Vada - $5 Voucher