The Roos almost staged a miraculous comeback win against Wangaratta Rovers but couldn’t overcome a poor start, suffering a 9 point defeat at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Rovers led by five goals at quarter time and it looked as though the Roos were in for a tough day. From there on the Roos dominated most of the play and outscored their opposition for each of the last three quarters, to go down by just nine points at the final siren.
Inaccuracy cursed the Roos who had six more scoring shots than the Rovers, but only posted eight goals from twenty-three opportunities.
Assistance coach Rohan Davies was the catalyst for the resurgence, inspiring his peers with pure courage, determination and bull-headed attack on the ball.
Davies looked an unlikely starter for the game after limping from the field at training on Tuesday night, but true to his character, he fought through the setback to support his team mates.
Equally good for the Roos were Jack Bates and Tyson Logie.
It was a real breakout game for the young up and coming Bates who played the best key defender’s game you’re likely to witness in the O&M this season.
Bates dragged down intercept marks at will and used the ball to great effect.
Logie was fierce with his attack on the ball and must have laid at least fifteen crunching tackles.
He capped off his game two majors for the Roos.
Kaelen Bradtke also showed he is going to be a key figure up forward for the Roos in the years to come. His mobility, clean hands, long kicking and ability to make good position really catches the eye.
Joe Hansen deserves to be proud of his efforts in his 100th senior game for the Roos.
Playing in the midfield, he had plenty of the ball and delivered with precision.
Joe is well respected around the club, not just for his football ability and loyalty to the club, but also for his efforts in organizing club activities.
Andrew Pretto was sadly missed when he left the field in the second quarter.
He has been one of the Roos most important players this year, especially with his elite use of the ball.
The Roos take on Yarrawonga at J.C. Lowe Oval next Saturday.
Entry to the ground is now south of the campground.
The U16s will cap of the day’s play with a twilight game, then its back to the Mulwala Ski Club for a get together.
Corowa Rutherglen 8.15.63 v Wang Rovers 11.6.72Goals: R. Davies 2, T. Logie 2, A. Wallis, J. Hansen, K. Bradtke, W. ChandlerAwards: J. Hansen, J. Bates, R. Davies, T. Logie, K. Bradtke
Reserves
The Reserves welcomed back Harley Ralph, Pete Whyte and Nick Clifton from injury which helped to secure a competitive outfit against the third placed Rovers.
The game got off to a blistering start with Roos winning the centre clearance, then a chain of handballs that ended with Pete Whyte goaling in the first thirty seconds.
Unfortunately, goals dried up for the Roos for the remainder of the first quarter, ruing a couple of missed set shots.
Rovers on the other hand managed two late goals with limited opportunities.
The Rovers took control in the second quarter but the Roos did not surrender.
Playing close to their best footy for the year, this closely knit bunch matched it with the Rovers in the second half, at the contest, and on the scoreboard.
Sam Haigh impressed for the third consecutive week and his long left foot goal was a ripper.
John Nicholls was back to his best patrolling the last line of defence.
Sam Severin and Simon Lavis had really good games while the chemistry between the Tanner twins is fascinating to watch as they worked in tandem to rack up a stack of possessions.
Corowa Rutherglen 4.5.29 v Wang Rovers 13.16.94Goals: S. Haigh, J. Tanner, P. Whyte, C. KuschertAwards: M. Tanner, S. Severin, P. Whyte, J. Tanner, S. Lavis
Thirds
Battling both the foggy conditions and a determined opponent, the Roos stood strong to come from behind and level the scores midway through the second quarter.
They continued their surge to take a four point lead at the main break, mainly thanks to a magnificent check side snap from forty metres by Hayden Weller.
The Roos continued their relentless attack on the ball in the third but getting it past half-forward proved to be a stumbling block.
The backline held strong, but somehow the Rovers managed to score three goals from limited opportunities.
The Roos continued to charge forward in the last quarter, only to see the ball land in the hands of well positioned Rovers defenders.
Jeff Jennings, Nathan McDonald and Jacob Habermann never gave up and provided plenty of drive all day.
Darcy Melksham was a welcome return to the team after a lengthy run at senior level.
Cal Spencer and Bailey Pirnag were in good form once again, winning contested possessions and driving the ball forward relentlessly.
It was a very competitive performance against the top-of-the-table Rovers and there were a lot of positives to take from the game.
Corowa Rutherglen 4.4.28 v Wang Rovers 7.7.49Goals: H. Weller, J. Beveridge, D. Clancy, D. MelkshamAwards: C. Spencer, J. Eyers, J. Jennings, B. Pirnag, N. McDonald, J. Habermann (Coach’s Award)Awards’ Sponsors:
Corowa Golf Club, Hotel Australia, Newmarket Hotel, Border Natural Therapies, Corowa Whiskey and Chocolate Factory, Soden’s Hotel, Origin Clothing, Doc Yarrum, Urban Graze, Sportspower, The Hub Automotive and the Canteen Committee.
Thank you to local business’s that support our sporting and community club.
Roos News
It was announced on Saturday night that Senior Coach Marc Almond has re-committed to the Roos for 2020.
Marc has the belief of the playing group and his signing brings stability to the football department which will pave the way for strong player retention and building an early recruitment strategy.
The Roos have a great band of volunteers needed to carry out a wide range of duties to make things happen on the sporting arena and social events.
From team manager to canteen duties to cleaning up.
We thank them all sincerely.
This week’s Hub Automotive Volunteer Award goes to Darrell Spencer.
Dasher umpired both Thirds and Reserves games and took on the runner’s duties for the Seniors.
Big day that!
If you enjoy a social hit of golf, or just a relaxed social event, then contact Phil Goode, Herbie Griffin or Whale Lavis to join in the Past Players Ambrose Golf Day at the Corowa Golf Club next Sunday June 23. $30 covers green fees and BBQ starting 11am (hit off at 12 noon).
Lots of prizes and fun to be had.
The entertaining Campbell Brown will relive his footy and life’s stories at this year’s Golden Roo Dinner, 7pm Wednesday 17 July .
All Australian and premiership player during the successful Hawthorn era, Brown will have plenty to say and sure to captivate the audience.
Golden Roos will be issued a ticket while guests can enjoy the event for $120.
Contact Graham Hosier or Rowena Black or shop online at the club’s website.
This year’s Kanga Cash Draw will be held at the Clubrooms from 12 noon to 4pm on Sunday 21 July. Tickets at $50 give you the chance to share in $7,000 in prize money. Finger food and drinks included in the price.
Get all the latest news and game day photos, thanks to Mary Hanrahan, on our Facebook page (fb.com/crfnc), Instagram (@crfnc_roos) and at our website www.corowarutherglenfnc.com.au