Tungamah 6.5, 14.11, 19.13, 21.17 (143) defeated Tocumwal 2.3, 4.4, 8.8, 10.15 (75)
Goals: Tungamah: J. Irvine 8, S. Ferguson 2, A. Psaltiras 2, M. Khat 2, W. Thomson 2, D. Psaltiras 1, A. Ford 1, A. Doyle 1, C. Powell 1, B. Beaton 1. Tocumwal: F. Tonks 5, A. Dickins 4, X. Walkers 1.
Best: Tungamah: J. Reilly, J. Irvine, W. Thomson, S. Ferguson, D. Psaltiras, A. Psaltiras. Tocumwal: B. Sciutos, C. Parish, F. Tonks, B. Eddy, A. Kent, M. Mickelson.
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It was another picturesque and successful day for the second consecutive home game at the Bear Pit on Saturday.
Some injuries last week provided a well-deserved opportunity for Gus Heslin and Archie Doyle and, perhaps, a less well-deserved opportunity for local identity Jack Connell.
Like Steven Bradbury, Connell didn’t care how he got there, he was there and that’s all that mattered. The Bears started well and truly on fire - kicking 6.5 to Tocumwal’s 2.3 in the opening quarter.
The second coming of Aaron Sandilands, Alex Reilly, was putting the ball on a silver platter to his mids, giving the Bears some real ascendancy from stoppage. ‘Norman’ Irvine was the star of the show again booting a cheeky eight snags. Left or right footed it didn’t make a difference, Irvine was a class above playing deep forward.
The rock lobster Ben Beaton also got among the goals, somehow going undetected and sneaking forward to dob one from 40m out. People say local sport is about bringing the community together and having a laugh.
Justin Saunders’ attempted specky in the last quarter certainly brought the crowd together in a fit of hysterics as he launched himself skywards only to see the ball dribble under his legs - something the ultimate ressie would have been proud of. The Bears running away comfortable winners.
Awards: J Reilly - Tungamah Hotel; W Thomson - Hicks Butchery; O Willis - Ski Club
Reserves
Tungamah 6.10.46 defeated Tocumwal 6.3.39
With half the Tunga Bowls Club taking credit for the new signing, it is my understanding that Big Benny Bell may have had a few too many refreshments at lawn bowls on Thursday night and made some poor bets.
It was good to see some ‘experience’ drift back into the team, as previously it looked like the boys had done their recruiting at a Wiggles concert.
Dimmy looked like he might need the halo back to support the ego after kicking the opener. Luckily the coaches jumped into action and threw the two-time Ressie’s Coleman winner Henderson in his spot to show him how it’s done.
With both coaches rested this week the bench IQ rolled into double figures with the result looking like it would be won by a battle of wits. Luckily it wasn’t. In a tough battle Xander added to the scoreboard while Jezza Kelly continues to prove harder than Tarzan’s feet earning himself the highly coveted mug award. (Moving forward can people not supply rumbo’s to the mug winner.)
Awards: O Connell - Intersport; J Williams - Ricky D’s Pizza; X Smith - One Zach
Thirds
Tungamah 6.6.42 defeated By Tocumwal 16.15.111
Tocumwal came out firing, capitalizing on their dominance in the ruck and efficient ball movement to take control early. Tungamah's slow start, saw the Bloods setting the tone for the rest of the game, leading the scoreboard 8- 40.
Tunga made some strategic adjustments in the second quarter, strengthening their backline. The Bears rallied, gaining more possession in their forward line, and slowing the opposition down.
Despite these improvements, Tocumwal maintained its lead, 53-17. The Bears showed resilience in the third quarter. Persistent chase and defensive spoiling continued to disrupt Tocumwal's attacks.
Even with the efforts the Bears put in, the boys still faced an uphill battle. Tunga's determination and tactical adjustments saw the boys continuing the fight all the way to the end. Zeplin made a strong debut for the Bears taking some big marks. Unfortunately, Tunga couldn't overcome their opponents' strength and ultimately fell short as Tocumwal secured the victory.
Awards: Z Bramich - Doyles Sock Award; K Michael - Tungamah General Store; D Thomas - Hemphill Family Award; C Walls - Credit Union; L Lonergan - Yarrawonga Automotive; D Meyers - Home Game Coaches Award
Fourths
Tungamah 17.18.120 defeated Tocumwal 0.4.4
The young Bears put on another impressive performance against Tocumwal, showcasing their talent and teamwork. With a large bench, we were able to involve everyone and keep the action going.
The boys executed their front-kicking strategy, which we had been working on in training, to build a solid lead. The use of the ball was outstanding.
Awards: B Doyle - Bamford $10; J Bamford - Rich Glen; J Morritt - Tungamah Shop; J Prosser - Doyle’s Sock
Fifths
With Tocumwal giving late notice they were unable to fill a side due to school holidays, our boys still turned up and we battled a game between ourselves. We had the Grizzly Bears versus the Drop Bears and all having a red hot go. Thanks heaps to Brae Grant (Bull), one of our thirds players, for umpiring the kids.
Awards: F Cummins - Zambrero; B Lawrence - Tungamah Shop; Umpires Award - C Whinray
Netball
A Grade
Tungamah 26 drew Tocumwal 26
Another warm week of netball saw the girls off to a slow start. But there were plenty of opportunities for our defenders to rebound and turn the ball over - when this happened, we saw some brilliant passages of play down the court into our goalers, who were under a lot of pressure from the defenders.
The last half of the game was neck and neck and was there for the taking, unfortunately we forced our own errors and were not able to capitalise on our defenders’ hard work, ending in a draw.
Fantastic to see our defenders putting into play what we have been working on in training.
Awards: A Perry - Free As A Bird; P Thomson - Yarrawonga Pilates
B Grade
Tungamah 35 defeated by Tocumwal 42
The girls experienced a sluggish beginning to the match. Thanks to the unwavering and remarkable persistence of our defenders Brodie and Tahnee, we managed to regain momentum and hold a three-point lead heading into the final quarter.
Unfortunately, our shooters failed to deliver once again, and the team's overall fitness level suffered without Molly Saunders in the centre position.
Although there is room for improvement, it was a commendable effort from all involved.
Awards: B Gissing - Yarrawonga Pilates; T Pearce - Lash Revolution
C Grade
Tungamah 27 defeated by Tocumwal 31
With a few players unavailable we took the court with our team of seven, and three players helping us out of the bench.
The first quarter showed exactly what we are working on at training and we were down by one at the first break.
The same intensity was on display on the second and the halftime score showed us up by two.
The third quarter was goal for goal and the scores were level at the final break. There were plenty of positives in the last quarter, but it wasn’t our day, and the final margin was four.
The new combination in goals of Tayla, Jess and Chelsea never gave up. Our midcourt of Hannah, Bernadette and Amber attacked the ball at every opportunity. Remi, Beth, and Hayla made the opposition fight for every possession and worked hard for their rebounds. Thanks to Charlotte for sitting on our bench.
Awards: R McPherson - Players Player and Yarrawonga Pilates; B Attwood - Free as a Bird; A Peachey - Rich Glen
C Res
Tungamah 23 defeated by Tocumwal 28
The girls played a strong game against another strong opponent, everyone worked tirelessly on a hot day at the Bear Pit. It was an even match in which our girls never gave up, they fought till the very end from our defenders to our goalies - our training is paying off. Unfortunately, going down by five in the end.
Awards: J Ralph - Jaycees; L Eder - Rich Glen; T Whiting - Hard Luck
Under 17s
Tungamah 46 defeated Tocumwal 40
Another win for the 17s on Saturday, the first quarter was great seeing the girls coming out strong with aggression to the ball.
In the second and third, Tocumwal kept fighting back in the last half of the quarters, appearing to rattle our girls allowing the margin to get back to one after all our hard work.
The last quarter was by far our best, the girls settling when getting turnovers and giving the ball to the first option. They did not allow Tocumwal to fight back in the last, holding the lead.
Awards: A Zanin - Tim’z Plumbing; S Brown - Tunga Shop; M Kelly - Credit Union
Under 15s
Tungamah 30 defeated Tocumwal 14
Saturday’s gorgeous weather proved to be a challenge for our Bears with their fitness levels, tested by the heat.
The skills looked very sloppy to begin with but, after some encouragement from our coaches, we went back to the basics and bounced back to take home the win. Kiera showed her skills as a centre player and turned the ball over multiple times, Emily showed everyone her defensive skills with constant pressure and lots of loose ball gets.
Awards: K Buerckner - Jaycees; E Buerckner - Tungamah Shop
Under 13s
Tungamah 11 defeated by Tocumwal 16
Tocumwal got the jump on our young Bears with a fast start. Our defence end worked hard with a very tall GA challenging every ball. Across the court we showed composure, support and a positive energy.
With team members being thrown into various positions we really tested the girls’ ability to adapt. The second half of the game saw us really put the pressure on, outscoring them 9-3 in the second half.
The coaches were very impressed with the fight until the end of the game.
Awards: A Kelly - Tungamah Shop; T Blick - Yarrawonga Fish N Chips; E Attwood - Bamford Builders
Under 11s
The girls had their best game yet this week against Tocumwal. Eliza Lawrence led well as our captain, guiding the team through the game.
The girls reinforced many things we worked on at training throughout the week and had their hands over every ball.
Awards: W Cooper - Rich Glen; E Lawrence - Tungamah shop; Jade - Tungamah shop; Pearce - Rich Glen
Yarrawonga Chronicle