Cats 7.8.50 def by Hoppers 8.11.59
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Goals: C Beattie, H Chandler 2; J Tanner, M Halton, J Peters 1
Best: Harry Chandler, James Plummer, Mitchell Cofield, Matthew Halton, Jett Peters, Benjamin Jones
Rutherglen's finals aspirations were dealt a blow on Saturday, falling to Tallangatta by nine points at Barkly Park in Round 16 of the Tallangatta and District Football League.
On a sunny winter afternoon, the Cats were unable to capitalise on an outstanding first-half performance, with Tallangatta storming home to claim an 9-point victory.
Rutherglen controlled the contest for much of the opening half, with midfielder Jett Peters and ruckman Jac Holmes dominating the stoppages and providing the Cats with repeated opportunities inside forward 50.
Despite their control around the contest, the Cats were left to rue several missed opportunities in front of goal, taking a 5.5 (35) to 3.4 (22) lead into the main break.
Tallangatta responded after half-time, gradually gaining ascendancy around the ball before finishing strongly to overturn the deficit and secure an important win.
Defender Mitch Cofield continued his strong recent form, producing another disciplined performance while restricting the influence of dangerous Tallangatta forward Kaine Parsons, who finished with 3 goals.
James Plummer worked tirelessly on the wing throughout the afternoon, while half-forwards Matt Halton and senior debutant Harry Chandler provided plenty of drive.
Chandler produced a memorable first senior appearance, finishing with two goals in a best-on-ground display.
The talented graduate of Rutherglen's Under 17 program impressed with his composure under pressure, taking several contested marks and using the ball with poise.
Before the first bounce, Chandler's cousin and Rutherglen captain, Ben Pleming, presented him with his senior jumper in front of family and friends, making the occasion even more special.
Injuries again took their toll on the Cats, who finished the match with just one active interchange player available; a familiar story throughout their 2026 campaign.
The defeat sees Rutherglen slip to sixth on the ladder.
To qualify for finals, the Cats must win their remaining two home-and-away matches and hope the side currently occupying fifth position and half a game clear, drops at least one of its final two games.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza award – Harry Chandler; Venetta and Gav Pinn award – James Plummer; EDC Electrical award – Matt Halton; Howlong Shearing award – Mitch Cofield.
Reserves
Cats 3.7.25 def by Hoppers 13.12.90
Goals: Flynn Verhulst, Jordan Rhodes, Lincoln Barnes 1
Best: Flynn Verhulst, Baylee Morton, Jax Ramsey, Jackson Bowering, Bennett Thomas, Arthur Morris
Under 17s
Cats face tough challenge against Tallangatta
Cats 2.4.16 def by Hoppers 9.18.72
Goals: H Poole, F Verhulst 1
Best: Zavier Manns, Ryan Moore, Bryce Maloney, Elijah McFarlane, Logan Poole, Ryan Barkley
The Under 17 Rutherglen Cats faced off against the more highly fancied Tallangatta Hoppers, who currently sit third on the ladder, at Barkly Park.
With perfect conditions for football, the Cats hoped to put their best foot forward against the visitors.
In the first quarter, Rutherglen struggled to find the scoreboard despite strong ruck work from Jax Ramsey and a commendable performance from Zavier Manns, Logan Poole and Arthur Morris.
By quarter time, Tallangatta had established a 13-point lead, putting the Cats on the back foot.
The second quarter saw Captain Flynn Verhulst score an important goal for Rutherglen, but the team continued to find it difficult to gain forward momentum against the stronger Tallangatta outfit.
Tensions rose on the field, with spot fires breaking out across the ground.
At the main break, the Hoppers maintained a 14-point lead.
The third quarter was marked by intense pressure from the Hoppers, and despite the best efforts of the Rutherglen backline, led by Bryce Maloney, Elijah McFarlane, Ryan Barkley and Ryan Moore, the Cats struggled to contain the opposition.
Tallangatta extended their lead to 32 points, capitalising on their opportunities.
In the final quarter, Hugo Poole kicked a goal, providing a glimmer of hope for the Cats, however the winning margin ultimately stood at 56 points.
Next week, Rutherglen have their final away game of the season, travelling to Mitta Mitta to take on the Mighty Mountain Men.
Awards: Parker Pies award - Zavier Manns; Rutherglen Pizza award - Ryan Moore; J & M Steel Erection award - Bryce Maloney.
Under 14s
Cats 12.9.81 def Hoppers 2.5.17
Goals: C Johnson 5; P Colman 3; L Ledger 2; N Cracknell, H McFarlane 1
Best: Noah Cracknell, Seve Cottam, Samuel Lewis, James Nicholson, Codie Johnson, Toby Douglas
This week the Cats hosted Tallangatta at Barkly Park, and the first quarter was a highly contested start to the game with both teams doing their best to win the footy.
The young Cats’ persistence and slick ball movement into the forward line saw them go into the quarter time break with a 20-point lead.
They started the second quarter on fire, with the whole team contributing with end to end, fast moving football, and despite the Hoppers’ their best efforts the Cats’ onball brigade, led by Noah Cracknell and Seve Cottam, were proving to be a handful.
The Cats’ intensity dropped off in the third quarter, with the hoppers finishing the quarter kicking two goals on the trot.
They regrouped at the three-quarter time break and came out in the last quarter with relentless attack on the footy and fast ball movement, eventually running out comfortable winners in an impressive display of junior footy.
Awards: Parker Pies award - Noah Cracknell; Slopes’ award - Seve Cottam; Wood Family award - Sammy Lewis; Rutherglen Pizza award - James Nicholson; Tom & Tam Renshaw award - Codie J Wood; D N Electrical award - Jenson McInnes; Glenn Family award - Toby Douglas.
Under 12s
Cats 1.2.8 def Hoppers 0.4.4
The Cats were back at Barkly Park this week, and the team hosted the Hoppers.
It was another cold and frosty start with the Cats hitting the ground running and Taylor Hurley kicking the only goal for the game in the first two minutes.
It was a tight tussle for four quarters and a fantastic effort by the young Cats to hold the Hoppers out, especially the backline in the last four minutes.
Great effort to get the four points before making their way up the mountains to Mitta next round.
Awards: Marley – Club Corowa Award; Logan – Corowa Chocolate Factory Award; Cruze – North East Marine Award; Lenny L – Lawler Transport Award; Theo - Coaches Award; Kyden – Dinky Di Electrical Award.
Netball
A Grade
Cats 15 def by Hoppers 66
Despite the result, the team showed great signs of improvement with strong teamwork and communication throughout the game.
The midcourt combined well to create opportunities, while the goalers found space effectively in the ring.
The girls continued to work together, listen to one another, and keep a positive attitude, with plenty to build on.
Awards: Issy Saunders - RFNC $ Award; Ally Halton – Adroit Insurance Award; Violet Fisher – Coaches Award.
B Grade
Cats 16 def by Hoppers 70
Another tough game against a side likely to play deep into finals.
Charli played a strong game through the attacking midcourt, complimented by Charlotte in defensive midcourt positions.
Rutherglen hit the road to Mitta next round for what will likely be another challenge; however, the girls will train hard to improve on last week.
Awards: Charli Williams - RFNC $ Award; Charlotte Meyer– Movere Pilates Award.
C Grade
Cats 37 def by Hoppers 45
Rutherglen played a competitive match on Saturday, but unfortunately came away with a loss.
Despite the result, the team showed determination and worked hard from the first whistle to the last.
Kara had a strong game in attack, working hard to create opportunities, and Lucy was outstanding through the midcourt, covering plenty of ground.
Awards: Kara Renshaw - RFNC $ Award; Lucy James – Dinky Di Electrical Award.
Under 17s
Cats 21 def by Tallangatta 51
The Cats played a great defensive game on the weekend, led by circle defenders Cadie and Matilda.
Ella played a solid game in WA, with many strategic preliminary moves before receiving a pass.
A ripper effort against second on the ladder and the team will continue to work on their passes and the timing of their drives.
Awards: Cadie Waite – RFNC $ Award; Ella McCurdy– Dinky Di Electrical Award; Matilda Colwell - Hadar Homes Award.
Under 15s
Cats 28 def by Tallangatta 41
The Hoppers once again proved to be tough competition, but the Cats showed great resilience and determination, working hard until the final whistle.
While there were plenty of positive moments throughout the game, they know that putting together a consistent four-quarter performance will be the key to competing with the top teams.
Full credit to all the players, who continue to demonstrate fantastic versatility by taking on a range of positions at both ends of the court.
While it will be great to have a little more stability in their line-up, it's also a real strength to have so many players willing and able to adapt for the team.
With just two games remaining, the team is calling for a strong finish.
Awards: Audrey Maloney – Parker Pies Award; Skye Lush – Hadar Homes Award; Savannah Barnes – Spark Award.
Under 13s
Cats 10 def by Tallangatta 41
In a tough game the girls showed plenty of determination and never gave up.
Despite the challenge, the team got to have a bit of fun by mixing up their positions, which brought lots of energy and smiles onto the court.
Well done to all the girls for their effort, teamwork and positive attitude throughout the game.
Awards: Connie Morris – Dinky Di Electrical Award; Alyssa Lowen – Daisy Cow Award.
Under 13 Reserves
Awards: Odie Flannery - Lucy and Nick Brown Award; Lucy Field - Daisy Cow Award; Polly Simpson - Field Family Award.
Under 11s
Awards: Wynter Griffin – Adroit Insurance Award; Emma Walsh - Hadar Homes Award; Norah Flannery - Field Family Award.
The junior teams continue to shine, showing fantastic team spirit, effort and growth each week.