Wangaratta Rovers: Will Christie, Dylan Stone, Samuel Cattapan, Harry Nolan, Xavier Allison, Edward Dayman.
Corowa Rutherglen showed immense heart and grit, but a stunning third-quarter onslaught from ladder leaders Wangaratta Rovers ultimately proved too much to handle, as the Roos went down by 38 points at John Foord Oval.
Brady Morton looks to offload the ball in the seniors.
The Roos showed commitment to the ball all game.
Jedd Longmire boots the ball long to the forward 50 in the seniors.
In a game where the final score of 13.15 (93) to 8.7 (55) doesn’t reflect the contest's true nature, Corowa Rutherglen looked every bit a contender in the first half.
Spearheaded by the brilliant Kaelan Bradtke, who kicked two of his five goals early, the Kangaroos took the fight up to their opponents, matching them blow for blow.
Despite a late charge from the Rovers, Corowa Rutherglen headed into the long break trailing by just four points, a testament to their determined effort and defensive pressure.
However, the third term proved to be an unstoppable force of nature for the Roos. Rovers’ star Will Christie took control of the game, kicking a remarkable six goals in a quarter that saw Wangaratta Rovers pile on eight unanswered majors.
The sudden and devastating scoring spree left Corowa Rutherglen stunned and facing a near-insurmountable 49-point deficit at the final change.
While the result was no longer in question, the Roos refused to surrender, rallying in the final quarter to add three more goals through Bradtke, Jordan Eyers, and Deaken Clancy.
Their late fightback, though futile in the context of the final score, showed the fighting spirit and resilience that will give them hope for future clashes.
Reserves Rovers overcome spirited Roos
Corowa Rutherglen 7.3.45 def by Wangaratta Rovers 14.9.93.
Reserves’ Jed Ansell flies for the ruck tap.
Corowa Rutherglen's reserves showed incredible promise in a brave first-half effort, but were ultimately outgunned by a relentless Wangaratta Rovers outfit in a 48-point loss.
In a thrilling opening quarter, the Roos came out firing, with Hugh Canning bagging two of his three goals to ignite the team.
Corowa Rutherglen played with spirit and determination, quickly building a 10-point lead and looking like a team on a mission.
Their intensity kept the Rovers on the back foot, ensuring the contest remained tight and hard-fought as they battled to a slender lead at the first break.
However, the tide began to turn in the second term. Wangaratta Rovers, led by the prolific Oscar Clelland, found their rhythm and started to chip away at the deficit. Clelland was a dominant force, kicking a crucial goal to put his side in front for the first time.
The Rovers' momentum continued to build after halftime, as their stars systematically pulled away.
Despite the margin blowing out, the Roos never gave up, with Canning and Jack Keys continuing to find the scoreboard in the second half.
Their persistent efforts and never-say-die attitude were admirable, but Clelland's six-goal haul and the overall scoring power of the Rovers proved too strong in the end.
The final score of 93 to 45 reflected the Rovers’ dominance, but it was Corowa Rutherglen’s spirited effort that had fans on the edge of their seats early.
Corowa Rutherglen 2.5.17 def by Wangaratta Rovers 11.12.78.
The under 18s have been playing some impressive football as of late, and came into this week’s game against Rovers optimistic.
They knew that by forcing more stoppages and evening Rover’s spread, they would be in the game for longer.
The game began in a tight contest with the Roos employing this game plan. While being held goalless in the first quarter, the Roos showed plenty of promise moving the ball forward - they just weren’t able to capitalise.
In the second and third quarter, the Roos were defenceless allowing Rovers to capitalise on multiple scoring opportunities.
With the bulk of the damage already done, Corowa had to regain some control over the match in the last quarter.
Leaders Brodie Eyers, Jay Lavis and Jayden Forge worked tirelessly all day and gave the team plenty of drive across the ground, while Jett Paul’s and Corey Majanovic’s speed on the outside opened multiple scoring opportunities.
Up forward, Hunter Hall is proving to be an issue for the opposition’s defenders as his football craft was on display, booting two very classy goals.
The Roos must dig in deep this week as they prepare for North Albury at Bunton Park.
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