Cats 7.7.49 drew with Lions 7.7.49
Goals: James Tanner, Charlie Beattie 2; Reed Bonat, Jett Peters, Angus Williams 1
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Best: Jayke Nicholson, Matthew Halton, Brendan Morris, James Tanner, Benjamin Jones, Matthew Tanner
Rutherglen and Wahgunyah couldn't be separated at Barkly Park on the weekend, battling to a gritty draw in tough, muddy conditions.
With the ground heavy underfoot, both sides were forced to earn every possession in a hard-fought contest. Momentum swung back and forth throughout the afternoon, but neither team was able to gain a decisive break, with the game finishing all square.
The Cats were well served in defence by Jayke Nicholson and Brendan Morris, who stood tall under constant pressure and repeatedly repelled Wahgunyah's forward attacks.
Matt and James Tanner attacked every contest with determination, throwing themselves into the game from the opening bounce until the final siren and setting the standard with their relentless effort around the ground.
Up forward, Charlie Beattie provided a strong focal point, competing fiercely in the air and bringing the ball to ground to create opportunities for his teammates.
The Cats now head into the bye before returning for the final five matches of the home-and-away season, with plenty still to play for.
Reserves
Cats 12.6.78 defeated Lions 4.6.30
Goals: Bailey Nichol, Dayle Barrett 3; Oliver Nash-Webster 2; Brayden McInnes, Charles James, Daniel Ryland, Laiton Hetherington 1
Best: Charles James, Oliver Nash-Webster, Daniel Ryland, Jack Reid, Dayle Barrett, Bailey Nichol
The Rutherglen Cats produced another polished four-quarter performance on Saturday, overcoming a spirited Wahgunyah outfit by 48 points at Barkly Park.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic early, with Wahgunyah taking a two-point lead into the first change.
The Lions brought plenty of pressure around the contest and made the most of their opportunities to edge ahead 1.3 (9) to 1.1 (7).
From there the Cats took control, with a strong second quarter seeing them tighten up defensively while finding their rhythm with ball in hand, heading into the main break with a handy 25-22 advantage.
Rutherglen lifted another gear for the premiership quarter, dominating field position and creating repeat inside 50s to open up an 18-point lead at the final change.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Cats finished full of running, piling on another five goals in the final term while restricting Wahgunyah to just two points to seal an impressive 12.6 (78) to 4.6 (30) victory.
Charles James was outstanding and earned the Pizza Award with another commanding display, leading from the front around the contest and providing drive all afternoon.
Oliver Nash-Webster continued his excellent season to claim the Parker Pies Award, while Jack Reid’s strong four-quarter effort was also recognised with a Parker Pies Award.
Other standout contributors included Daniel Ryland, Dayle Barrett and Bailey Nichol, all playing important roles in a well-rounded team performance.
Another strong team performance sees the Cats continue to build momentum, with contributions right across the ground proving the difference in an impressive 48-point win.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza Award - Charles James; Parker Pies Award - Oliver Nash-Webster; Parker Pies Award - Jack Reid.
Under 17s
Cats narrow loss to Lions in local derby
Cats 7.1.43 def by Lions 6.10.46
Goals: Logan Poole, Logan Morley 2; Flynn Verhulst, Max Chandler, Harry Chandler 1
Best: Logan Poole, Harry Chandler, Jax Ramsey, Elijah McFarlane, Jack Chandler, Max Chandler
The Under 17 Rutherglen Cats faced off against the Wahgunyah Lions in a thrilling local derby at Barkly Park, hoping to continue their winning momentum following a victory over Yackandandah last week.
The Cats started off strongly, with Captains Logan Poole and Flynn Verhulst and Logan Morley all contributing to the scoreboard early in the first quarter.
Despite the wet and slippery conditions, Rutherglen managed to establish an 11-point lead by quarter time.
In the second term, Rutherglen maintained their advantage, with Max Chandler scoring a goal to extend their lead to 13 points.
Jax Ramsay showcased his strong form and consistency in the ruck, while brothers Hugo and Logan Poole, along with Harry Chandler, battled fiercely in the centre.
The third quarter saw Wahgunyah ramp up the pressure, and Rutherglen struggled to maintain their lead. Despite goals from Harry Chandler and Logan Morley, the Lions closed the gap to just six points, igniting hope for a comeback.
The final quarter was a nail-biter, with both teams fighting hard for victory. Rutherglen's Captain Logan Poole scored another goal, but Wahgunyah's inaccuracy in front of goal kept the match within reach.
Ultimately, the Lions edged out the Cats, finishing with a narrow three-point victory, the final score reading 7.1 (43) to 6.10 (46).
The Rutherglen backline battled valiantly throughout the match, with standout performances from Arthur Morris, Elijah McFarlane, Jack Chandler and Tyler Yeoman, who worked tirelessly to repel Wahgunyah’s advances.
As the team enters the League bye week, congratulations are in order for Under 17 Intra League nominees Flynn Verhulst, Logan Poole, Harry Chandler, Arthur Morris, Phoenix Wight and Ryan Barkley (injured).
Those selected will represent the TDFL West Team against TDFL East at Sandy Creek next Saturday.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza Award - Elijah McFarlane; Parker Pies Award - Jax Ramsay; Dinky Di Electrical Award - Jack Chandler.
Under 14s
Cats 12.18.90 def Lions 0.0.0
Goals: Codie Johnson 6; Blair Prescott, Patrick Colman 2; Jenson McInnes, Logan Field 1
Best: Seve Cottam, Codie Johnson, Samuel Lewis, Jenson McInnes, Blair Prescott, Harrison Lavis
This week the Cats hosted Wahgunyah at Barkly Park in heavy conditions, with the young Cats looking to bounce back after a tough game last week.
The guys started the game well, moving the footy around the ground with some good link-ups resulting in them kicking 5.2 in the first quarter.
Codie Johnson kicked three goals for the quarter and looked dangerous up forward, finishing the game with six majors.
The remainder of the game would see the young Cats control the majority of play despite being wasteful in front of goal.
Overall, it was a solid team performance with the game played in good spirits from both teams.
Awards: Parker Pies Award - Seve Cottam; Wood Family Award - Codie J Wood, DN Electrical Award - Sammy Lewis; Rutherglen Pizza Award - Blair Prescott; Glenn Family Award - Harry Lavis.
Under 12s
Cats 10.5.65 def Lions 0.0.0
Although back at home to host the Lions, the ground was heavy with the week’s rain and the kids from both teams played quite well to the conditions.
It was an even contest in the first quarter until the Cats midfield took over, giving their forwards plenty of opportunities in front of goal, and at the opposite end of the ground the backline kept the Lions scoreless.
It was a good result for the kids heading into the league bye this week.
Awards: Mr Wiggy Barber Shop Award - Lenny G; Corowa Chocolate Factory Award - Logan S; North East Marine Award – Cruz; Brown Family Award – Nash; Lawler Transport Award - Eden V; Coaches Award - Jed W.
Rutherglen Netball
A Grade
Cats 18 def by Lions 47
A strong team effort against quality opposition, with the Cats defensive unit working well together throughout the game.
The midcourt communicated and moved the ball effectively, and they welcomed back GS Jess Ryan, who settled in well and made a positive impact in her return.
Plenty of positives to build on heading into next week.
Awards: Issy Saunders - RFNC $ Award; Elle Lawrence – Adroit Insurance Award; Jess Ryan – Coaches Award.
B Grade
Cats 24 def by Lions 49
The girls should be proud of the way they held their ground against a physical Wahgunyah side.
Both Abbie and Kara in the goal ring kept persisting with their efforts all day.
The Cats are a proud team who support each other even when gameplay doesn’t go their way.
Awards: Abbie Hetherington - RFNC $ Award; Kara Lowen – Movere Pilates Award.
C Grade
Cats 46 def Lions 45
Goals: Mel Pinn 31, Chelsie McLeod 11, Kara Renshaw 4
The girls played with great determination, teamwork, and composure throughout the match, earning a well-deserved victory.
Jackie was outstanding in the mid court, providing excellent drive, accurate passing, and strong support in both attack and defence.
Lucy also had an impressive performance in the mid court, with her speed, court awareness, and consistent link play helping to transition the ball effectively.
Awards: Jackie Kay - RFNC $ Award; Lucy James – The Wax Trade Award.
Under 17s
Cats 10 def by Lions 52
A tough game against a side likely to make finals.
Molly in WD did a great job holding her ground and bringing the ball from defence down to attack.
Ella in the midcourt did many preliminary drives to lose her player.
The team looks forward to a strong training session over the bye week to get ready for a good match-up against Dederang the following week.
Awards: Molly Colman – Adroit Insurance Award; Ella McCurdy – Hadar Homes Hotshot Award.
Under 15s
Cats 35 def Lions 30
Goals: Skye Lush 13, Audrey Maloney 14, Shylah Pinn 8.
It's always a big game against the Lions, and the Cats struggled to find their rhythm early.
Full credit goes to the Lions who applied plenty of pressure, forcing the Cats to crowd their play and second-guess their passing options.
One of the biggest positives from the match was how much this team has developed throughout the season.
Even when under pressure, the girls stayed composed, backed each other up, and trusted the game plan.
They did what was needed to withstand the Lions' fightback and showed great resilience to hold on for a well-deserved win.
It was another strong team performance, with everyone contributing when it mattered most.
Awards: Flick Watson – Parker Pies Award; Audrey Maloney – Hadar Homes Award; Chelsea Sutton – Spark Award.
Under 13s
Cats 21 def Lions 5
Goals: Freya Kay 9, Isla Verhulst 12
It was a fantastic performance from the Under 13s team on the weekend, coming away with a well-deserved 21–5 victory.
The girls played a very strong game from start to finish, showing determination, teamwork, and great intensity across the court.
Every player gave their all and they were clearly determined to secure the win.
The girls chased every loose ball, worked hard for each other, and never eased up, playing with the same effort and commitment through to the final whistle.
It was a wonderful team performance with everyone contributing and supporting one another throughout the match.
Awards: Freya Kay – Tom and Tam Renshaw Award; Alyssa Lowen-Webb – Parkers Pies Award.
Under 13 Reserves
Awards: J & M Steel Erection Award - Amelia Colvin; Daisy Cow Award - Norah Flannery; Dinky Di Electrical Award - Luci Field; Field Family Award - Polly Simpson.
Under 11s
This week the Under 11s Cats played an intraclub game to start the day and then took on the Lions as a squad.
The girls played some great netball, showing their improvement during the season.
The squad will take a well-deserved break before fronting some tough opposition in the bombers.
Awards: Ivy Kay - Corowa Club Mini Golf Award; Zoe Mase - Hadar Homes Hotshot Award; Field Family Award - Charlotte Colwell.
The junior teams all continue to shine, showing fantastic team spirit, effort and growth each week.