Hoppers 4.9.33 def by Cats 7.15.57.
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On a perfect winter’s day, the Rutherglen Cats travelled to Tallangatta to face the Hoppers in round 16, a fixture that holds extra significance as both clubs came together in support of Organ Donation Round, a cause deeply meaningful to both communities.
With both sides fighting to stay in finals contention, the match was fiercely contested from start to finish.
It was a physical, low-scoring battle, with Rutherglen ultimately grinding out a hard-earned win to take the crucial four points.
Scoring proved difficult for both teams, with blustery conditions making accurate kicking a challenge.
Despite this, the Cats were able to take control in the second half, dominating territory and stifling the Hoppers’ ball movement, typically a major strength for Tallangatta.
Rutherglen’s backline was outstanding, holding firm under pressure. Mitch Cofield and Tyler Ferraro were rock solid, shutting down their direct opponents and launching repeated counterattacks.
In the midfield, Martin Brennan and Matt Tanner led from the front, giving the Cats' forwards plenty of chances.
Up forward, Jyda House and Michael Cooper were relentless, providing contests and hitting the scoreboard when it mattered.
With finals still in sight, Rutherglen now turns its attention to a crucial clash against the Wodonga Saints on Saturday, another must-win encounter in their push for finals action.
Awards: Complete Body Craft – Mitch Cofield, Poachers Paradise Hotel – Matt Tanner, Rutherglen Convent Brewery – James Tanner, Club Corowa – Tyler Ferraro and Rutherglen Pizza – Martin Brennan.
Reserves
Hoppers 1.5.11 def by Cats 15.15.105.
In beautiful, sunny but windy conditions at Tallangatta, the Rutherglen Reserves put together a dominant four-quarter performance to secure a convincing 94-point win.
Twelve separate goal kickers showcased the team’s unselfish play and depth across the ground. It was a great display of connection, pressure, and work rate – exactly what’s needed with finals on the horizon.
Best Players:
• Jack Reid – dangerous both forward and through the midfield.
• Sam Lawrence – impactful in the contest and clean up forward.
• Caleb Andison – led the midfield with strength, smarts, and composure.
• Luke Knight – controlled the wing with run and clean ball use.
• Bailey Nichol – creative and consistent in the forward line.
• Ben Ratcliffe – a strong target who capitalised with scoreboard pressure.
A great win on the road and another step forward as the team hits strong form at the right time of year.
Awards: Club Corowa – Jack Reid, Howlong Shearing – Sam Lawrence, Baker Seeds – Luke Knight, Rutherglen Pizza – Bailey Nichol and Corowa Golf Club – Ben Ratcliffe.
Under 17s
Hoppers 1.3.9 def by Cats 15.16.106.
Sunny but cool conditions greeted the Cats at Tallangatta, where a swirling wind made accuracy a challenge.
Despite this, the boys dominated from the outset and maintained control throughout the game.
Tallangatta provided a strong and consistent contest, but the solid backline continually shut down their forward movement and turned defence into attack.
A standout performance from Mitch Francis, who kicked four goals, was complemented by a stellar game from Ollie, slotting three in what may have been his best performance of the season.
Arthur, Sonny, Lukas, Dusty, and Will combined seamlessly in defence, with Will pushing up the ground to deliver quality entries into the forward line.
Dusty excelled in his new role off the half-back flank. Meanwhile, Noah stepped into the centre half-back position with confidence and composure.
Up forward, Liam, Tyler and Brody continued to show strong development, while Harry, Aidan and Snowy worked hard across the game, supported by the relentless running of midfielders Baylee and Flynn and wingers Aaron, Jaylen and Phoenix.
After several weeks of hard work, Hugo (Herbert) Poole was finally rewarded with a well-deserved goal.
A key highlight was the added flexibility in the ruck, with Jayden supporting Jax to give the midfield a significant boost.
This was another strong performance on the road to finals, with every player contributing to the team’s success.
A fantastic all-round team effort.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza – Oliver Nash-Webster, Silver Key Café – Flynn Verhulst, Corowa Sportspower – Dusty Fisher, Coaches Award – Arthur Morris and Coaches Award – Aidan Berriman.
Under 14s
Hoppers 4.6.30 def by Cats 7.7.49.
Another away game for Rutherglen this week on the road to Tallangatta. Rutherglen took on the Hoppers in fine but blustery conditions.
Rutherglen got off to a slow start and Tallangatta were showing determination at home.
Seve Cottam was key in keeping Rutherglen in the contest, going into quarter time trailing by three points.
In the second quarter Nash Eloy worked hard through the midfield as Kasey Rhodes kicked a goal to keep Rutherglen close enough at the long break to still be in touch – trailing by five points.
After half time in the Premiership quarter Rutherglen really turned on the pressure. Noah Cracknell was dynamic up forward, and Kasey Rhodes kicked another goal.
Ben Pagan-Saunders also scored a major, two goals to Logan Hurley and a goal to Codie Johnson. As he does every week, Brayden McInnes worked tirelessly all day in the ruck and managed to wear down his opponent as the game went on.
In the final quarter young gun Cody O’Donoghue scored his first goal of the season, and fellow Under 12s player Rio Glenn stepped up to the big stage and provided some strong support.
Next week Rutherglen are on the road again to take on the Wodonga Saints. Wodonga sit second on the ladder and Rutherglen third, so it promises to be an exciting contest.
Please show support for the young Cats as there are only two home and away games left in season 2025.
Awards: Rutherglen Pizza – Logan Hurley, Silver Key Café – Seve Cottam, Corowa Sportspower – Rio Glen, Chandler Cash – Nash Eloy and Coaches Award – Brayden McInnes.
Under 12s
Hoppers 0.0.0 def by Cats 5.11.41.
This week the Cats travelled to Tallangatta to take on the Hoppers; kicking with the wind in the first quarter the young Cats started well, with Taylor Hurley kicking the first goal of the game and looking very dangerous up forward.
With Rio Glen rucking well and the on-ball brigade on top, the forwards were receiving first use of the footy and converting with some great team goals.
The backline was very efficient not conceding a point for the day led by Patrick Coleman and Jimmy Nicholson who provided the guys up the ground with plenty of opportunities.
Thanks to some terrific rebound football off the half back line, the Cats finished the game comfortable winners with Vice captain Cody O’Donoghue finishing with 3 goals and Taylor Hurley 2 goals respectively.
Awards: McFarlane Family – Pat McMillan, Silver Key Café – Taylor Hurley, Rutherglen Lolly Shop – Toby, Danny Johnson ‘Most Courageous’ – Cody O’Donoghue, The River Fish N Chips – Jimmy Nicholson, J & M Steel Erection – Pat Coleman, North East Marine – Vinny and Glen Encouragement Award – Blair Rhodes.
Netball
A Grade
Hoppers 61 def Cats 16
Beaten by a better team and the Cats just didn’t play well this week. A nice atmosphere, and team still. Let’s get to training and have fun, commit and be a team player for the next two weeks.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Jess Oats, Poachers Paradise – Pia Taylor and Poachers Paradise – Kathleen Bartlett.
B Grade
Hoppers 62 def Cats 30
A tough game this week against a team who will no doubt play deep into finals. The girls gave all that they could on the day. Looking ahead to next week.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Jackie Kay, Boorhaman Hotel – Tenaya McGill and Club Corowa – Grace Gillard.
C Grade
Hoppers 39 def Cats 27
Great team effort this week girls, your best game yet. Charli and Lucy James really fed the circle well and stayed tough.
With great tips and rebounds, the defence were able to bring the ball down well and counterattack.
This was the best team effort yet, a little disappointing as they had a chance to win.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Charli Williams, The Victoria Hotel – Lucy James, Boorhaman Hotel – Felicity Nesbitt and Club Corowa – Lucy Brown.
17 and Under
Hoppers 52 def Cats 19
A great game from the Under 17s, there were great passages of play down the court to the shooters. Great defence in the ring and mid-court. Keep up the good work.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Kara Lowen-Webb, Silken Skin Studio – Faith O’Donoghue and Valentine’s Artisan Bakery – Charlotte Packer.
15 and Under
Hoppers 52 def Cats 9
The girls tried their best out there this week. The 15s had 4 under 13s step up in this game as there were a few missing. They took some time adjusting to lots of changes, and they tried their best which is all that can be asked of them.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Holly O’Donoghue, Best On Court (Club Cash) – Tayla Meyer, The Wax Trade – Cadie Waite and Slope Award – Taylor Francis.
13 and Under
Hoppers 17 def Cats 10
The girls played an amazing game and pushed through the whole way. The coaches can see some amazing improvements from everyone and can really see them playing amazing as a team.
A really great game to watch, the girls should all be really proud of themselves.
Awards: Best On Court (Club Cash) – Flick Watson, Corowa Sportspower – Audrey Maloney and Daisy Cow Soaps – Taylor Francis.
13 and Under Reserves
Hoppers def Cats
Great game, a very tough game but the girls didn’t drop their heads, so well done all.
Awards: Daisy Cow Soaps – Violet Pfeiffer and Corowa Sportspower – Ody Flannery.
12 and Under
Hoppers def Cats
Great game from the girls, so much improvement made from every one of them. It was a very close game and a great game to watch.
Awards: Corowa Sportspower – Sienna McFarlane and McFarlane Award – Alyssa Lowen-Webb.
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