Mulwala 4.5, 5.5, 9.8, 12.9.81
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Rumbalara 3.0, 3.5, 5.7, 6.8.44
Major goalkickers: Max Hemphill 2, Charley McKenna 2, Jack Sutherland 2.
Best: Connor Griffiths, Brodie Tyson, Matthew Gorman, Max Hemphill, Adam Rouel, Oscar Elliott
Mulwala needed to keep winning these games against lower placed competition to keep its position in the top echelon of the Murray League ladder.
They came out firing in the early stages of the game with Harry Haley and Jack Sutherland looking very dangerous in the forward line, however their inaccuracy in front of goal halted what could have been a big lead going into the quarter-time break. The coaching prerequisite of the week was to improve the goals-to-behinds ratio that has haunted the team this year, and it looked as though it may be an issue again this week.
The midfield quartet of Brodie Tyson, Connor Griffiths, Max Hemphill and Matt Gorman were again in control and although Mulwala got the only goal of the second quarter, through Jack Sutherland, they were fortunate enough that Rumba had the yips and kicked five points for the quarter after having most of the play.
After drawing inspiration from the Cubs at half-time the team came out firing in the second half and played a much better style of football, using the run and carry of Oscar Elliott, Charley McKenna and Adam Rouell through the wings of the Lonsdale Reserve and utilising the hard running of Hemphill and Gorman – both who were able to get free from their opponents in the forward line and capitalise at the goal front.
Another great win from the team leading into a couple of tougher weeks against sides in the top four. IPOD Shuffle night this week at the rooms so get your songs into Carz early for another great event at the Lions’ Den. Go Lions.
Reserves
Mulwala 4.5, 6.6, 9.8, 11.12.78
Rumbalara 0.1, 0.2, 0.2, 0.5.5
Major goalkickers: Thomas Wilson 4, Campbell McKenzie 2.
Best: Campbell McKenzie, Thomas Wilson, Josh Ednie, Tim Cooper, Mitchell Appleby, Nathan Beasley.
The Mulwala Reserves regained top position on the Murray League ladder with a convincing victory over Rumbalara. Thomas Wilson had the ball on a string through the midfield and even floated forward, cheekily taking goals away from the young key forwards plying their craft.
Nathan Beasley was prolific around the ground and is enjoying the freedom after previously being entrenched in the backline - but now that the team has the formidable Tim Cooper back there who was this week assisted by the return of Campbell McKenzie.
Mitch Appleby and Josh Ednie were again winning the football with ease around the ground and the return of some senior players over the next few weeks has the team in a great position moving towards the middle of the year.
Under 17s
Mulwala 7.4, 14.9, 21.12, 28.14.182
Rumbalara 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 2.2.14
Major goalkickers: Max O'Bryan 7, Ryan Cameron 5, Harley Cooper 2, Sonny O'Bryan 2, Zachary Wheeler 2.
Best: Max O'Bryan, Levi Saunders, Riley Bone, Maiko Leith, Brock Johnson, Harley Cooper.
The procession of goals was immediate from the onset as the first passage of play - a great ruck tap from Brock Johnson to Ollie Watson’s kick forward and a great bit of crumbing work from Sonny O’Bryan for the first goal within 30 seconds. It meant it was going to be a long day for the Rumbalara backmen.
Sonny had another one on the board straight after, giving the impression he was going to show up older brother and current goalkicking leader Max O’Bryan for the day. Max was having none of that as he got two of his own for the quarter and Mulwala took a seven-goal lead into quarter-time.
The goals continued to flow for the remainder of the game as the coaches used the victory to get some quality game time into the younger brigade of players that will ensure the team continues to play at such a high level.
Maiko Leith and Harley Cooper were great through the midfield and wingers Beau Sissons, Archie Purtle, Van Kreeck and Nash McNamara all ran rampant during the day. Ryan Cameron joined Max O’Bryan with multiple goals as he had a fun day forward, away from his usual backline position.
A terrific win that also showed great dignity in victory as the boys have shown under Coach House all year.
Under 14s
Mulwala 5.0, 6.2, 11.3, 12.6.78
Rumbalara 2.0, 3.1, 5.2, 5.2.32
Major goalkickers: Henry Donovan 3, Nate Leith 3.
Best: Archer Kirchen, Levi Purtle, Fletcher Woodhead, Axel Saunders, Byron Dodd, Brody Guthrie.
The undefeated U14s were back on their familiar home turf for the clash against Rumbalara and they were in scintillating form early in the game.
Some brilliant forward skills from Henry Donovan had Mulwala on the board early and Mulwala’s speed around the ground was troubling the taller Rumba players.
Byron Dodd and Fletcher Woodhead were gathering possessions at will again and the backline, led by Archer Kirchen and Levi Purtle, were almost impenetrable throughout the match.
Rumba had some great passages of play leading to goals during the match but they were no chance to stop the run and carry of Mulwala through the likes of captain Axel Saunders, Hugo Varndell and Jake Dalen. Nate Leith was moved forward in the second half and put the game beyond doubt with three clever goals. A tougher game next week against Nathalia will be welcomed to challenge the great teamwork the boys possess.
NETBALL
B Grade
Mulwala 54 defeated Rumbalara 15
It was a beautiful day at Lonsdale Reserve - the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the Lions were roaring. EJ was on fire, and nobody could put that flame out. She was shooting like James Willett at a clay target competition.
Tay Tay and Moo were backing up EJ and, no, that's not a new pop group though they certainly have the talent for it.
Sharni had a stellar performance, shutting down her player as did Georgie, equally formidable -these girls didn't just mark their territory, they declared it a sovereign state.
Nat was the floater of the court - feeding and chasing balls ferociously like a lioness taking down her prey. The defensive line-up? Even the Philadelphia Eagles would be jealous.
Mikayla, Tegan, and Cara took no prisoners and showed no mercy. They dug in their heels and gave it their all. Awesome job, girls, and a well-deserved win.
Awards: Club Award -EJ; Jaycee’s – Sharni; Yarrawonga Hotel - Taylor.
C Grade
Mulwala 61 defeated Rumbalara 27
Another strong performance from the C Grade girls. Strong defence by Eliza, Montana and Kealy as well as accurate shooting yet again from Piper and Brooke saw the girls set a challenge to reach 60 goals.
Aided by the consistent performance of the midcourt girls of Abbey and Cather, with U17s Ruby and Iris contributing as well, the girls achieved the set target.
Awards: Seeliger Award - Eliza Robillard; Waterside - Montana Russell; Miss Dolly - Catherine Shaw.
Under 17s
The U17s had their best game yet, everyone played their role, the girls were supportive and positive. Everyone's drives were great and the team is looking forward to next week.
Under 15s
Mulwala 43 defeated Rumbalara 26
A slow start to the game saw the girls down at quarter-time. However, they came out in the second quarter and took control of the game. The defence worked hard all game providing many turnovers, the shooters’ accuracy was on and the girls got away with a strong win. Well done, all!
Awards: Paradise Palms - Maisee Pell; Bigger Floorworld - Charlotte Woosman; MFNC Dinner voucher - Emily Lineman; Jaycee’s - Taylah Bigger.
Under 11s
What an excellent game the girls played this week, it was great to see some of our team stepping up to help out Rumbalara who only had six players.
The girls worked on some centre pass set-ups at training this week and it was fabulous to see them put them in to play and nail them in the game.
Awards: Zambrero - Evie Robinson; Purtles Electrical - Koda Parker; Thursday Dinner - Lucy Colomb; Sock award - Matilda Drake.