Football
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Reserves
Waaia: 2.1, 4.2, 8.2, 9.4: 58
Tungamah: 3.2, 6.3, 9.4, 12.8: 80
Goals: Waaia: S. Richardson 5, R. Bradbury 2, F. Jones, M. Foster.
Tungamah: A. Saunders 5, T. Irvine 2, J. Reilly, W. Prescott, D. Payne, T. Greene, M. Adkins.
Best: Waaia: S. Richardson, A. Shelton, B. Harris, M. Sprunt, M. Foster, D. Hommes.
Tungamah: M. O'Kane, J. Jones, A. Saunders, N. Gamble, M. Adkins, J. Kelly.
The sun was out, the ground at the Katandra Recreation Reserve was in prime condition and the Tungamah lunchtime legends were up and about to take on the undefeated Waaia Bombers.
By the days end, we had delivered a performance fitting of a best picture award.
JJ was once again the clean with the footy while Gooba turned back the clock, managing to grab everything like a Gambi would grab free samples at Rich Glen.
Matt O’Kane flicked the switch, rolling into his finals-only reserve tank and now has Kellock sweating about his Mr September crown.
Velvet cleaned up scraps with the desperation of a mouse hunting for cheese.
Tom Irvine looked vaguely interested for once, instead of sulking around like Woodsy being forced to browse scented candles by the missus at the Sunday market; the scribe wrote “I just used a nickname and no-one cares mate, and if you do, I can out run ya.”
Jezza Kelly kept grinding away all day, and somehow keeps delivering.
Gambie was strong, but when he came off for a quick breather, Waaia piled on four goals quicker than he enjoyed the smorgasbord of new snags at the seasons beginning while Mitch Adkins was serviceable.
By three-quarter time, Tungamah had mobilised a tow truck for Rangi, who was seconds from a breakdown.
His blood pressure was spiking so hard the AED was warming up on the boundary.
Then out came Benjamin Bell, the weapon, the ace up the sleeve, deployed tactically. The lunch time legends insurance policy came in late, hiked the premiums, and still paid out big.
The Bombers are parked up on the tarmac while the Tungamah reserves have a fortnight free of football to recoup and recover.
The show goes on.
Thirds
Tungamah 10.9 - 69 def Strathmerton 9.12 - 66
Footy finals are here and so are the nerves.
It took a little bit for the Tungamah Thirds to settle into their normal rhythm as they came up against a determined Strathmerton side.
Tungamah’s defensive pressure and targeted kicking kept Strathmerton from doing too much damage early on, as the Thirds came out with a 25-8 lead at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the Bears struggle in gaining ground as the Bulldogs continued to put up a good contest.
The game continued to be a fierce yet friendly battle between both teams who desperately wanted the win.
In the end, the Bears Thirds secured a three-point win and now have a week’s break before testing the nerves again.
Let’s go Thirds.
Goals: J. Bamford 4, J. Walker 2, Z. Bramich, B. Grant, C. Payne, L. Lonergan.
Best: X. Chessells, D. Meyers, L. Lonergan, B. Grant, J. Bamford.
Netball
B Grade
Tungamah 44 def Tocumwal 38
Tungamah’s B Grade girls have booked themselves a spot in the preliminary final after a hard-fought win against Tocumwal.
A blistering first quarter (11–6) set up the game, with strong defensive pressure creating plenty of opportunities and smooth play.
The second and third quarters saw a real arm wrestle as fatigue started to kick in.
The game became a little frantic as the B Grade Bears tried to make tactical changes and adapt to the finals fever.
However, the side was wise in knowing what they had to do moving into the last quarter. The adjustments paid off, with the team settling and coming home stronger and fitter in the final quarter, to take the lead and close out the win.
Lauren was rock solid in the ring, shooting a massive 38 goals, while the talented Maddi and Kara provided important support under the post.
Down the other end, Tahnee, Brodie, Mariah and Eliza led a defensive unit that picked off intercepts and rebounds at crucial moments to keep Tocumwal under pressure.
It was a real team effort across the court.
From the engine room in the midcourt to the finishing in attack, every player contributed to the result.
The composure shown in the last quarter proved this group is ready for finals netball. Thank you to Tungamah’s talented junior’s Maddi and Laila for being a part of the B Grade crew on the day.
The side are now through to the preliminary final and will play on Saturday, September 6 at Waaia.
Lets go Bears.
C Reserve
Tungamah 21 def by Waaia 24
A slow start against Waaia has made C Reserves run in finals harder.
The side finished strong but the buzzer beat them before they could come back on the scoreboard.
C Reserve will regroup, train hard and make sure they start next Sunday’s match at home, much stronger.
Under 15s
Tocumwal 19 def by Tungamah 42
Despite a few first-final nerves and fumbles, the Under 15 girls backed each other up and supported one another from the first whistle.
The team settled quickly, with Kiera slotting the first goal and Grace causing a turnover that led to another.
Torah was a rock in defence with multiple intercepts.
At quarter time the girls led 8–5.
By half time, the margin extended to 16–10, thanks to the entire team’s defensive pressure right across the court.
Chaye’s tall arms created plenty of trouble for the opposition, while Billie’s constant movement and loud encouragement kept the energy high.
Asha thrilled the crowd with some long bomb goals, and the team played like a well-oiled machine.
A true testament to their hard work, training efforts, and amazing coaches.
The third quarter was the championship quarter, with the Under 15s piling on the goals to lead 30–15.
Their shooting accuracy was outstanding, and confidence grew right across the court. Paige, Sienna, Chloe, Chaye, Billie, Torah, Kiera, Asha, and Grace played their role perfectly.
In the final quarter, the side showed maturity beyond their years, keeping their composure and demonstrating sportsmanship that was off the charts.
Chloe adapted seamlessly to many position changes, while Sienna and Paige maintained mid court pressure until the final whistle.
An incredible team performance to start finals, well done girls.
Under 13s
Tungamah 17 def Deni Rovers 11
Tungamah’s Under 13’s took on Deniliquin in the semi-final, a side they had previously lost to earlier in the year.
This time around, they came away with a hard-fought 17–11 win to secure a spot in the preliminary final.
Everyone played their part and supported each other brilliantly to get the job done.
The defensive pressure across the entire court forced the Rovers to work hard for every ball.
Relentless pressure from the Under 13’s created multiple turnovers and pick-ups of loose balls.
The girls worked tirelessly from start to finish and fully deserved the victory.
With a week off now to recover, the team will be eager to show what they’re capable of in the preliminary final on Sunday, September 7 down the road at Katamatite.
A big thank you to all the supporters who came along and cheered the girls on, your encouragement made a real difference.
Yarrawonga Chronicle