Jesse Johnson making a solid play for a ground hugging ball.
Corowa Rutherglen 9.9.108 def by Wodonga 16.12.63
Best: Ryan Eyres, Caleb Bertram, Brady Mortan, Tom Forrest, Kade Kuschert, Nicholas Wright.
Goals: Sam Dunstan 5, Judd Kuschert 1, Christian Masson Moyle 1, Brady Morton 1, Tom Young 1.
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Corowa-Rutherglen put together another spirited effort but fell short to a fast-finishing Wodonga Bulldogs on Saturday.
The first term was off to a hot start with Assistant Coach Brady Morton starting the game in the midfield in what proved a masterstroke, setting the tone for the Roos.
Morton was absolutely everywhere, tallying 4 tackles and 4 smothers along with plenty of possession and a goal in the first.
This effort, along with a terrific return to defence by skipper Joe Hansen saw the Roos well in the hunt. If not for a few costly misses and turnovers, Corowa-Rutherglen could well have been a few goals ahead.
As the Dogs settled and got into their groove of aggressive forward movement, the aerial prowess of Ryan Eyers made sure that it didn’t impact as heavily on the scoreboard as it should. The Geelong VFL listed Eyers used his elite timing and strength to swat back almost every effort that came his way.
Also impressing down back was Chiltern recruit Caleb Bertram, who used his incredible speed and complete commitment to get the better of live wire Ethan Redcliffe in their matchup.
Veteran Kade Kuschert continued his evergreen return to the O&M with a vintage performance, which included all the typical traits we’ve come to expect from the Roos’ games record holder. His ability to read the play, intercept, outbody and then produce pinpoint passes was again an important piece to the Roos’ efforts.
Roo ruck/forward Ryan Eyers gets off the ground to spoil Wodonga attempts to get the ball, with Roo captain Joe Hansen lending support.
Despite some strong surges by the Dogs throughout the game, the Roos seemed to respond to every hit, and were just shy of three goals down at the final break.
Nick Wright, who cares for animals in his day job, took the wind out of several Wodonga Bulldogs with his fearless style of play. Whilst his bone crunching tackles and relentless pressure continued through to the final siren, unfortunately the opponents just had too many tricks up their sleeves, running away 45 point winners.
The Roos will take a lot of positives from the matchup, and must be reminded they are only 4 games back from a return from the dead, but there was a sense of disappointment from the playing group.
With an extra days break up their sleeves, the rebounding Roos will gear up for the Rumble on the River, taking on reigning premier Yarrawonga on Sunday afternoon.
Awards: Club Corowa - Ryan Eyers, Aussie Hotel - Brady Morton, Chocolate factory - Caleb Bertram, Royal Hotel - Kade Kuschert, Newmarket Hotel - Nick Wright.
Reserves
The ressie boys took on the Bulldogs, who were coming off some impressive wins from previous weeks and had some confidence in their step. The Roo boys started with a bang. Dean Druce thrusted one long kick for a goal, from outside 50 metres to lift the ressies spirits in the first term. The defensive pressure from the backs restricted the Bulldogs to nine behinds in the first quarter, with Bailey Minogue playing out of his skin, spoiling everything coming his way.
The boys were keeping it up to the experienced Bulldogs outfit with plenty of good plays during the game. Captain Will Bott’s best friend from Finley, Edward Haynes and Ned Taylor took it to the bulldogs midfielders and challenged them all day.
Jayke Nicholson grinded all day showing his pace and poise throughout.
Three Bulldogs players helped out the boys and gave plenty of run and dash, so thanks for helping.
The Rumble on the River next week against Yarrawonga should be a good encounter, with both teams winless this season.
Awards: Corowa Chocolate - Bailey Minogue, Aussie Hotel - Ned Taylor, Corowa Meats - Ed Haynes, Club Corowa Jayke Nicholson.
Thirds
Luke Nicholson takes a strong pack mark in defence for the Roos’ Thirds.
The first five minutes saw the game played between the arcs at a hectic pace. Once the game settled, Wodonga seem to control the delivery into the forward line better.
Repeated efforts from Luke Nicholson, Calle Duryea, Jay Lavis late in the quarter saw Corowa with repeated attempts to score.
The second quarter started like the first played between the arcs with repeated defensive efforts from Barber and Nicholson. With Corowa controlling the contest Wodonga broke through and grabbed a goal.
Continued pressure saw the Roos score their first goal.
Some undisciplined play saw Wodonga reply quickly. The last five minutes were dominated by the Bulldogs with repeated efforts from Lavis and Nicholson repelling attacks.
The third quarter started as the first half finished with Wodonga having better ball use and the Roos peppering goals and wasting opportunities. With some increased work Corowa clawed back with a goal to Williams.
The last quarter begins with Wodonga holding an 11-point lead. After early wasted efforts the Roos managed to score a goal but Wodonga replied immediately.
The game finished with Wodonga winning by 14points. A gallant effort from the Roos considering that lack of rotation from the bench.
Awards: Sportspower - Luke Nicholson, Painters cafe - Lenny Hill, Corowa Takeaway - Caile Duryae, Canteen - Hayden Barber.
Netball
A Grade WD Zoe Prentice ensuring her team mate Leah Bihun can keep her eyes fixed firmly on the ball.
A Grade
Corowa 48 def Wodonga 29
Another warm day against the Bulldogs. It wasn’t our tidiest game but there were certainly still patches of great in amongst some scrap! The defenders switched on in the second half and really opened up the court for the team. Attackers had a tough game against strong long bodies.
Awards: Essential Beauty award - Zoe Prentice. Zo played a really strong game in WD & responded to feedback well. She applied huge pressure around the circle.
A Grade’s Lisa French stretches for goal.
Dress hire & Club Corowa award - Soph Hanraham. Soph took a bit to fire up but still managed to win ball while in second gear. The second half was hers, she tracked her player and took flyers all over the court as well. Solid and reliable as usual.
Canteen & MVP - Sal Hunter. Sally also took a while to fire up but Soph and her connected later in the game to shut down the attacking end. Strong rebounds and lots of talk helped out the team.
B Grade
It was a very physical game for B Grade against a strong Wodonga outfit.
Corowa 30 def by Wodonga 50
It was a physical game that the girls had to grind away at. The score doesn't reflect how competitive the game was as the girls consistently had more turnovers. Our defence worked hard at positioning for rebounds and intercepting throughout the goal third.
Awards:
Macey Drayton positioned her body well in the ring to maximise rebounding opportunities and move it out of defence.
Courtney Haigh seems to be getting stronger and stronger every week.
Kiara Corkett had a tough game against a young, physical defender. Her tenacity and mental strength proved why she is a true leader and a key driver through the mid-court transitioning the ball nicely from defence to attack.
C Grade
Corowa 40 def by Wodonga 54
Our consistency in C grade and ability to mentally stay in the game and to our game plan has seen Wodonga come out ahead. There were strong passages of play and we showed improvement in our connection through the attack end.
Our awards went to Remi Longmire for her strength off the line. Brooke Tiltard showed strong defensive skills and Chelsea Parker for adjusting to changes and working through our goals.
U17s
Corowa 19 def by Wodonga 89
17s knew it would be a hard physical game against Wodonga. The girls contested the ball well despite the end score.
Club 1: Grace Milthorpe stepped up from 15s and brought her absolute best.
Chocolate Factory: Nellie Linden is very hard on herself but comes out and always does what she need to do and always resets when she needs to.
Canteen: Sommers Hogan outstanding in defence, she matched up well with her opponent and shut her down which led to some hands to balls.
U15s
Corowa 26 def by Wodonga 77
Our 15s came up against a well-oiled Wodonga who came out firing. We worked hard to combat the cluttered space. Our Roo girls showed real heart to come back with a strong last quarter, scoring 11 goals, despite the scoreboard pressure.
Club 1: Maiya Lea found her confidence in defense today, angling her body and working hard off the ball to set up intercepts and tips.
Sportspower: Millie Eales played a versatile game and creating movement in attack. She drove hard, engaging the defenders and opening up the goal circle.
Canteen: Sienna Sampson adapted to multiple positional changes and was impactful across the court. She is so dynamic and connects with the girls she works with in both attack and defense.
