Best: Yarrawonga: Cameron Wilson, Harrison Wheeler, Ryan Bruce, Nicholas Irvine, Nicholas Fothergill, Jordan Urquhart.
Corowa Rutherglen: Jack Rowston, Nathan Richards, Josh Cresswell, Tom Forrest, Raymond Murphy, Brendan Kantilla.
An injury-depleted but determined Yarrawonga outfit proved too strong for Corowa Rutherglen in the biannual Rumble on the River clash on Saturday.
The Roos were aiming for back-to-back wins after last week when taking on the Pigeons, but a fast start from Yarrawonga saw the visitors race to a three-goal lead early.
Corowa Rutherglen fought back to steady the ship, taking the ascendancy leading by a goal by quarter time.
Ruckman Nathan Richards was superb, dominating the hit-outs with over 50 for the match and laying eight tackles in a standout performance that gave his midfielders first use all day.
Seniors Judd Kuschert tackling high.
Jack Rowston backed up last week’s strong game with another influential performance, gathering 22 disposals and being named Corowa’s best on ground.
Despite their efforts, the Roos were left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal, failing to convert crucial chances at key moments.
A lapse in intensity during the second half allowed Yarrawonga to seize control, gaining the ascendancy and taking the wind out of Corowa’s sails as they pulled away on the scoreboard.
Brandon Kantilla was a bright spark in attack, booting three goals and lifting the Corowa supporters with his energy and pressure.
Doug Strang Medal leader Kaelan Bradtke chipped in with two goals of his own.
Jedd Longmire tries his hardest to get away from an upcoming tackle from Harry Wheeler in the Seniors.
Corowa Rutherglen now turn their attention to challenge the Albury Tigers next week at John Foord Oval.
To secure a win, the Roos will need a more consistent four-quarter performance.
Spirited Roos Reserves shine against Yarrawonga
Yarrawonga 6.10.46 def Corowa Rutherglen 7.14.56.
Caleb Bertram looks to get the ball away under pressure in the reserves.
Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad took another important step toward a finals berth with a hard-fought 10-point win over Yarrawonga in a scrappy contest.
Eager to respond after last week’s slip-up against Wodonga Raiders, the Roos started strongly and set the tone early.
The midfield quartet of Mak Lavis, Elijah Amery, Jack Keys and Ben Black were instrumental in gaining early control, consistently delivering the ball into the forward line and giving the team plenty of drive.
However, the game swung back in Yarrawonga’s favour during the second quarter, with the visitors booting five goals to one and shifting the momentum.
The Roos were forced to regroup at the main break.
Reserves’ Luke Heagney takes possession of this ball and looks to get away under pressure.
Deklan Yates and Mitch Scott stood tall, with their relentless run-and-carry and fearless attack on the ball proving vital throughout the match.
Their willingness to put their bodies on the line in key contests was a standout.
Despite the low-scoring nature of the match, the Roos’ trademark never-say-die attitude shone through.
Their ability to dictate the tempo in the second half was a testament to the side’s growing maturity and resilience.
In the end, it was a strong team performance that got the job done, securing a 10-point victory.
The win sees Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad two games and healthy percentage clear inside the top five.
With finals in sight, the challenge now is to stay hungry and avoid complacency—there’s still plenty of room for improvement.
Best: Mitchell Scott, Luke Heagney, Elijah Amery, Jack Keys, Deaken Clancy, Fletcher Parker.
Thirds
Yarrawonga 7.7.49 def by Corowa Rutherglen 11.8.74.
Thirds Angus Coghil flies for a mark.
A huge game for the Corowa Rutherglen 18s last week as they took on old rivals the Yarrawonga Pigeons.
With an outstanding week at training, the young Roos came into this game ready for the challenge.
Having to start the game with no interchange due to illness, the Roos had to dig deep in order to get the win.
The game started on Corowa’s terms as they controlled the tempo and majority of possession.
Hunter Hall was moved out of the backline and into the forwards this week to add a bit of class going forward and did he deliver.
Through his ball use the Roos hit the scoreboard early and gave key forwards Isaac Dickinson and Deagan Purcell every opportunity to do the same.
While the forwards were having a successful day, it wasn’t without a mammoth effort from the back six who were stout in defence.
Defenders, Jay Lavis, Angus Massey, Archer Coppolino and Ethan Lane won their individual match ups and gave the team plenty of dash off the half backline using their handball receives.
As the game continued into the second half and the Roos in full command of the scoreboard, the midfield started to flex their muscles on the opposition.
On ballers Jayden Forge, Benji Hanrahan, Brodie Eyers and Corey Majanovic got to work and put the game out of Yarrawonga’s reach.
A true team win is just what the young Roos needed, giving them a spark of belief for the rest of the season. The final score reading 74-49.
Goals: Deagan Purcell 5, Hunter Hall 2, Angus Coghill 1, Isaac Dickinson 1, Jayden Forge 1, Lucas Webb 1.
Best: Deagan Purcell, Hunter Hall, Jay Lavis, Angus Massey, Corey Marjanovic, Isaac Dickinson.
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