Rutherglen Cats 6.11.47 def Wodonga Saints 6.6.42
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Goals: B Lane-Gee 3; D Van Berlo, M Halton, C Beattie 1
Best: Caleb Andison, Charlie Beattie, Jayke Nicholson, James Tanner, Baxter Lane-Gee, Brad Andison
Rutherglen ground out a hard-fought five-point victory over the Wodonga Saints at Barkly Park on Saturday, prevailing in difficult wet weather conditions.
With a heavy deck making clean ball movement challenging, the Cats adapted well early and took control around the contest.
Their midfielders consistently won first possession, allowing Rutherglen's forwards to create scoring opportunities despite the slippery conditions.
The Cats' strong first-half effort saw them establish a 15-point lead by the main break, with their pressure around the ball and ability to lock the ball inside forward 50 proving the difference.
The Saints responded after half-time, lifting their intensity and capitalising on their opportunities in the third quarter.
Wodonga gradually chipped away at the margin before drawing level at the final change, setting up a tense finish.
In a tough final term where every possession was fiercely contested, Rutherglen found a way to get the job done.
Although unable to kick a major in the last quarter, the Cats added five behinds while their defence stood tall to keep the Saints scoreless, securing an important 6.11 (47) to 6.6 (42) victory.
Caleb Andison was outstanding on the wing, providing drive and run throughout the afternoon. Brad Andison continued his impressive recent form with another influential performance around the contest and forward of the ball, while Jayke Nicholson was rock solid in defence and repeatedly thwarted Saints attacks.
Ahead of the ball, Charlie Beattie and Baxter Lane-Gee presented strongly all day, giving the Cats reliable targets in difficult conditions and helping bring teammates into the game.
The win sees Rutherglen regain some momentum as the season works past the half way mark.
Awards: Coaches award - Caleb Andison; Rutherglen Pizza Award - Charlie Beattie; Venetta & Gav Award - Jayke Nicholson; Howlong Shearing Award - James Tanner.
Reserves
Cats 36.15.231 def Saints 1.0.6
Goals: B Nichol 12; A Williams 11; J Reid 3; D Thomson, B Ratcliffe 2; R Clohessy, A Colvin, C Poole, D Ryland, L Barnes, O Nash-Webster 1
Best: Bailey Nichol, Daniel Ryland, Angus Williams, Thomas Kilpatrick, Lenny Hill, Archer Colvin
A strong, convincing win given the wet and slippery conditions presented at Barkly Park, with the Cats adapting a lot quicker that the Saints.
Under 17s
Cats Secure Hard-Fought Victory Over Wodonga Saints
Cats 5.5.35 def Saints 3.3.21
Goals: B McInnes 2; H Chandler, Z Manns, L Morley 1
Best: Logan Poole, Harry Chandler, Ryan Moore, Flynn Verhulst, Liam Colvin, Bryce Maloney
The Under 17 Cats took on Wodonga Saints at Barkly Park, aiming to continue their winning form following a recent victory against Chiltern.
The match began with a tight tussle, exacerbated by wet and slippery conditions that made scoring challenging.
However, Rutherglen found their footing and managed to score the first goal through Liam Colvin, setting a positive tone for the game.
As the second quarter unfolded, the conditions remained difficult, but Captain Logan Poole showcased his leadership, dominating through the centre.
A crucial goal by Brayden McInnes helped keep the Cats ahead, and by halftime, Rutherglen led by nine points.
In the premiership quarter, Rutherglen intensified their efforts, piling on the pressure with additional goals from Brayden McInnes, Logan Morley, and Harry Chandler.
This surge put them in a strong position as the game approached its final quarter.
Despite Wodonga's determined push in the last quarter, the disciplined Rutherglen outfit held strong, ultimately recording a 14-point win.
The backline was particularly impressive, with Ryan Moore delivering a standout performance, supported by Arthur Morris, Elijah McFarlane, Tyler Yeoman, and Jack Chandler, who all contributed.
Overall, it was a great team effort, and congratulations are in order for the entire squad on a significant and hard-fought win against the third-placed Wodonga Saints.
Next week Rutherglen face a tough challenge against Yackandandah, who currently sit second on the ladder.
Under 14s
Cats 22.22.154 def Saints 0.0.0
Goals: P Colman 6; C Johnson 5; N Cracknell 4; L Field, H McFarlane 2; M Smith, S Cottam, C Odonoghue 1
Best: Noah Cracknell, Patrick Colman, Seve Cottam, Cody Odonoghue, Codie Johnson, Harry McFarlane
This week the Cats took on the Saints at Barkly Park on a drizzly winter morning, where a low scoring slog in the wet was expected, but the young Cats had other ideas.
Starting the game on fire, kicking seven goals, five behinds in the first quarter, the Cats were well led by Noah Cracknell, Seve Cottem, Codie J Wood and Patrick Colman dominating the forward line.
The second quarter would see the Cats start with the same intensity and tenacity shown in the first, with the team kicking another seven goals for the quarter, controlling the game across the ground with the whole team contributing great team footy.
The rest of the game was played in good spirits, with the Saints trying their best but with no answers to the Cats slick ball movement and work rate.
The young Cats ran out big winners in an impressive display of wet weather football.
A big thankyou to U12s players Lenny, Taylor, Blair and Harry who doubled up to fill in and looked very comfortable playing out of their age group, with Harry kicking two goals and winning an award.
Awards: Parker’s Pies - Noah Cracknell; Wood Family award - Patrick Colman; Rutherglen Pizza - Seve Cottem; D N Electrical - Cody O’Donoghue; Slopes’ award - Cody J Wood; Glenn Family award - Harry McFarlane.
Under 12s
Cats def Saints
A real winter morning at Barkly Park saw cold and sleety rain with the lights turned on.
It was a great four quarter effort by the kids, considering the terrible conditions.
Captain Lenny Ledger led from the front with plenty of grunt and clearances from the middle, along with Blair Prescott and Taylor Hurley being accurate in front of goal.
Great team effort by the kids, with four points in the bag and now looking forward to the road trip and challenge of taking on Yackandandah.
Awards: Blair - Mr Wiggy Hair Cut; Taylor H – North East Marine; Jack F – Corowa Chocolate Factory; Eden V – Lawler Transport; Declan Z – Verhulst Family; Lenny G – Brown Family Award; Harry M- Coaches Award $.
Netball
A Grade
Cats 38 def by Saints 56
A solid team effort despite a 38–56 loss.
The team communicated well, worked together effectively, and showed great determination in difficult wet and misty conditions.
Shooters found space well, while defenders stayed tight throughout the game.
Plenty of positives to take into the next round, and the team is looking forward to building on their performance.
Awards: Pia Taylor - RFNC $ Award; Elle Stevens – The Wax Trade; Ava Cofield – Coaches Award.
B Grade
Cats 31 def by Saints 38
A tough game this week for the team, with Wodonga stronger than the Cats when it mattered.
Eden, Charli, and Jordan stuck to the basics in the midcourt and played their role well.
The team will regroup ahead of a tough away game next at Yack.
Awards: Eden Kirk - RFNC $ Award; Charli Williams - Movere Pilates; Jordan Browne – The Wax Trade.
C Grade
Cats 32 def by Saints 43
It was a strong team performance with plenty of effort across the court.
Mel moved well in the goal circle and worked hard to find space.
Kara made a valuable contribution in attack, applying pressure.
Jackie was outstanding across the court, seeming to be involved in every contest.
Awards: Mel Griffin - RFNC $ Award; Kara Renshaw – Movere Pilates; Jackie Kay – Adroit Insurance.
Under 17s
Cats 26 def by Saints 29
Another great four-quarter effort from the girls this week, unfortunately just falling short in an exciting close struggle, unable to snatch the win from the Saints.
Keep up the hard work at training, and more results will go our way.
Awards: Matilda Colwell – J & M Steel Erections; Tayla Meyer – Hadar Homes Hot Shots.
Under 15s
Cats 16 def by Saints 36
The players worked hard in wet conditions, continuing to drive the ball forward and play their game.
There were some fantastic passages of play that showcased the team's skills and determination.
Wodonga proved to be strong opposition, capitalising on any turnover when we were flat-footed or not working hard enough to create an option.
Despite this, the players maintained a positive attitude throughout the match, supporting one another and showing great determination against a top four side.
It was a competitive contest, and there were plenty of encouraging signs to take away.
Fantastic effort from everyone - keep the energy and enthusiasm going.
Awards: Leah Ellis – RFNC $ Award; Zara Meyer – Hadar Hot Shots Award; Savannah Barnes – Spark Award.
Under 13s
Cats 12 def by Saints 22
The girls played a fantastic game and should be very proud of their efforts.
Our defensive end was outstanding once again, with Olivia, Stella and Sienna working brilliantly together to apply pressure and create plenty of turnovers.
The team worked hard from the first whistle to the last, showing determination, teamwork and resilience throughout the match.
They came away with a score to be proud of against a side sitting five places above them on the ladder.
It was a great effort from all the girls.
Awards: Olivia Livingstone; Stella Brown
The junior teams all continue to shine, showing fantastic team spirit, effort and growth each week.