Cat’s strong victory over Mitta United

The Rutherglen seniors produced a strong performance on and off the field on the weekend, securing an impressive win over Mitta in a round that meant far more than just four points.

The club proudly recognised both Cancer Round and Women’s Day in honour of those impacted by cancer, and acknowledge the incredible contribution women make.

The Cat’s pressure around the contest was immense from the opening bounce. The intensity and commitment to the team defence set the tone early, with Matt Tanner leading the way through his relentless tackling and physical presence around the ball.

His pressure repeatedly forced turnovers and helped keep Mitta under constant heat throughout the afternoon.

Up forward, Charlie Beattie was a dominant presence. Running straight at the footy and marking everything that came his way providing a constant target inside 50 and finished the day with three goals in a standout performance.

James Tanner was also lively in attack, creating opportunities through his manic forward pressure and work rate. His ability to harass defenders and lock the ball inside the forward half played a key role.

It was a complete team performance from the seniors, combining hard pressure, strong contested football and efficient finishing to come away with an important victory.

The side now looks forward to taking on Thurgoona this weekend on their home deck.

Reserves

Cats 10.12.72 def Mitta United 2.11.23

Goals: Huggins, R Beattie 3; Barnes 2; Nichol, Ratcliffe 1.

Awards: Rory Beattie - Rutherglen Pizza; Tory Oats - Convent Brewery; Mitch Huggins - Coaches Award.

Under 17s

Cats 4.3.27 def by Mitta United 4.17.41

Goals: H Chandler 2; Colvin, Moore 1

Best: H Chandler, Zani, Morris, J Chandler, Maloney, Barkley

In a highly anticipated rematch of the 2025 Grand Final, the young Cats faced off against Mitta United.

Despite Mitta occupying a lower position on the ladder, the match promised to be a spirited encounter, and it did not disappoint.

The first quarter saw a cautious start from both teams, resulting in a low-scoring affair (Mitta 16, Rutherglen 8) Liam Colvin managing to secure the Cat’s only goal.

In the second, Rutherglen's Jax Ramsey fought hard in the ruck, supported by Hugo Poole and Ryan Barkley showcasing their determination and skill but the Cats were undermanned and struggled against a more polished Mitta outfit.

Despite a goal from Harry Chandler, Mitta's inaccuracy was evident as they registered 11 scoring shots but only led by 7 points.

The pressure on Rutherglen's backline was relentless, with defenders Arthur Morris, Lucas Zani, Tyler Yeoman, Jaylen Cracknell and Jack Chandler putting in commendable performances against a strong Mitta forward line.

Their efforts kept the game competitive, as they thwarted several scoring opportunities from Mitta.

The forward line tried hard to make the most out of limited opportunities as Bryce Maloney hit the contest hard to provide a leading option.

Entering the third quarter, Mitta continued to dominate, managing to pull away to a two-goal lead by three-quarter time.

Harry Chandler, a standout performer for Rutherglen, added another goal to his tally, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.

In the final quarter, Rutherglen sought to make a comeback, with Ryan Moore scoring a goal, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

Ultimately, the Cats were defeated by 14 points, with Mitta registering 21 scoring shots to Rutherglen's seven. Rutherglen will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the undefeated Thurgoona next week, who currently set the benchmark for the competition.

Best Players: Harry Chandler, Lucas Zani, Arthur Morris, Jack Chandler, Bryce Maloney, Ryan Barkley.

Under 14s

Cats 10.14.74 def Mitta United 1.2.8

Goals: Johnson 4; Carpenter 2; Ledger, Field, Cracknell, Colman 1

Best Players: Seve Cottam, Codie Johnson, Sonny Carpenter, Noah Cracknell, Zac Macumber, Michael Reed.

This week we took on the mountain men from Mitta at Barkly Park on a sunny autumn day; the young Cats started well with a strong first quarter well led by captains and vice captains Noah Cracknell, Seve Cottam, Rio Glenn and Codie J Wood.

The second quarter would see us once again inaccurate in front of goal, kicking 1.7 despite having the majority of the play.

The third and fourth quarters were solid quarters from the Cats with Mitta also showing some fight.

In a solid team performance, the young Cats ran out comfortable winners.

Under 12s

Cats 44 def Mitta United 13

Awards: Will M - Mr Wiggy, Marlie C - North East Marine, Lenny L - Corowa Chocolate Factory, Lachie W - Club Corowa, Archie L - Lawler Transport, Will S - Verhulst Family, Flynn B - Coaches Award.

A great four quarter effort from the kids to come away with the win against Mitta.

It was also fantastic sportsmanship with those who pulled on a Mitta jumper so there was a game, a big thank you from the coaches.

There were plenty of positives to take out of the day, and the group continues to improve every week.

Cats Netball

A Grade

Cats 25 def by Mitta United 58

Another tough day on the court for the A Grade team who continued the fight to the end and are always aiming for improved performances across the court.

Awards: Elle Stevens - RFNC $100, Rachel Clarkson, Georgina Upton - Coaches Awards.

B Grade

Cats 44 def by Mitta United 57

Another challenging game today, but the team are finding a way as a team each week.

Kara in GS acclimatised well in a new team, and Charlotte in GD applied lots of pressure in the ring.

The girls improved as the game went on, with equal goals in the third quarter, and then outscoring Mitta in the last quarter.

To have a strong four-quarter effort will be the next thing to work on.

Awards: Kara Lowen-Webb - RFNC $80, Charlotte Meyer - Adroit Insurance $25.

C Grade

Cats 43 def Mitta United 30

The team delivered an excellent performance with strong teamwork, quick passing, and consistent defensive pressure across the court.

Mel was outstanding in goals, showing accuracy under pressure and excellent movement in the shooting circle.

Jackie worked tirelessly through centre court, driving play with speed, strong passing, and great defensive support.

Awards: Mel Griffin - RFNC $60, Jackie Kay - The Wax Trade.

17 & Under

Cats 32 def by Mitta United 50

The girls came out firing in the first quarter and rattled the opposition, who are currently sitting second on the ladder.

Cadie in GK had a big day on two different holding shooters but is performing really well and implementing what we practice at training.

Molly in WD and GD had a day swapping between positions but always executed her role well when asked.

The opposition coach even congratulated our girls on a close game, that really only blew out in the second quarter.

Awards: Cadie Waite - RFNC $40, Molly Colman - Hadar Homes $10.

15 & Under

Cats 17 def by Mitta United 39

The U15 Catters showed great commitment this week, with four players returning from school camp the night before and still digging deep to take the court for the team.

Mitta came out strong early, and our girls initially found themselves playing defensively - leading away from the ball and crowding each other.

With determination and persistence, they began to find space and drive hard onto the ball, creating better passages of play as the game went on.

Every player gave their best effort right to the final whistle, but Mitta proved too strong on the day.

Awards: Savannah Barnes - RFNC Award, Skye Lush - Hadar Homes Hotshot Award

13 & Under

Cats 16 def by Mitta United 23

Tough start against Mitta, who came out strong in the first five minutes.

The girls settled into the game well and found their groove, playing a wonderful second half.

Alyssa had some great intercepts throughout the game, and our defence end was strong once again.

Lots of positives to take away, with everyone contributing and playing really well.

Awards: Alyssa Lowen-Webb - Parker's Pies $25, Freya Kay – J & M Steel Erection $10