Rennie 3.2, 4.4, 10.5, 11.6.72
Deni Rovers 2.3, 6.7, 9.10, 14.13.97
Goalkickers: D Bruce 2, C Strawhorn 2, M Wilson 2, T Ryan, O Cope, C Hargreaves, T Freeman, D Chung.
Best: T Ryan, L Dwyer, K Hughes, L Wolfe, B Lewis, C Hargreaves.
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The Hoppers went down by 15 points in a very even game. Rovers were full of run early but Rennie’s persistence saw them grab a five-point lead at the first break. Ryan was everywhere, Dwyer creative at halfback and Hargreaves strong on ball.
In term two, Rovers were able to move the ball to the wings then create space for their forwards to work in and establish a 15-point break. Coach Fountain asked for the supreme effort and the Hoppers responded with their best quarter of the season, kicking six goals including Bruce nailing one after the siren to snatch a one-point lead with Small on his wing, Wolfe using his guile and demon spirit and Cope showing flashes of brilliance.
The catch-up effort took its toll as Rovers kicked five goals to one in the final term but Hughes was again super solid deep in defence and Wilson fought to the end. Solid effort but need some wins in the back half of the season.
After the game it was announced that Jarryd Fountain had been reappointed senior coach for season 2025.
Reserves
Rennie 1.0, 2.1, 3.1, 4.3.27
Deni Rovers 3.4, 4.6, 11.11, 12.15.87
Goalkickers: O Bruce, J Ferguson, Z Garner, B Bone.
Best: J McBurnie, Z Garner, J Ferguson, R Vodusek, L Denny.
It was a picturesque day out at Bull Plain Road. The ball was hotly contested in the middle with Zak Garner and Brad Bone leading the way. The backline stood strong with Jack McBurnie competing all day to earn himself the players mug and Lenny Denny from Rennie doing all he could against Deni.
The Donovan brothers were damaging until they were unfortunately both hampered with injuries. After halftime the Rovers proved they were no pushovers, capitalising on the fact that Rennie lost six players to injury - and their spread from the contest was hard to match. An inspiring goal from captain Joe Ferguson offered a glimmer of hope for the home side, however it just wasn’t to be and Rovers ran away with the win.
A special mention to Dylan Moffit and Kealan Lee playing their first games for the Hoppers. Although it was a tough loss, the boys will take a lot of confidence out of this game knowing that they can compete with any team in the competition. When the side is full strength again it will be able to surge into the top eight. Bring on Mathoura next week!
Awards: Premix King - Jack McBurnie; Lake Mulwala Bakery - Zac Garner; Yarrawonga Hotel - Mick Paine; ClubMulwala - Joe Ferguson; Shayne Stiles Roofing - Rudi Vodusek.
Under 17s
Rennie 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 1.1.7
Deni Rovers 5.2, 12.7, 18.10, 21.11.137
Goalkicker: L Pickering.
Best: B Burrows, B Coffey, L Kelly, J Langford, B Strawhorn, F Wood.
Awards: Murray Valley Rural Services - Brad Burrows; Wingates - Lach Kelly; C and T Rhodes - Jye Langford; Rennie Community Social Club - Finn Bruce.
Under 14s
Rennie 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0.0
Deni Rovers 3.6, 8.9, 9.13, 14.16.100
Best: F Bruce, S Cowan, F Nagle, F Strawhorn, E Dowling, H Giblett.
Awards: I and P Ferguson - Finn Bruce; Kennedy Builders - Spencer Cowan; STF Engineering - Fraser Nagle; Border City Concrete Pumping - Finley Strawhorn; Red Ag - Ted Dowling; Lake Mulwala Bakery - Harry Giblett.
Under 11s
It was a beautiful sunny morning out at Hopperland for the first day of winter between the clash of the youngest Hoppers and Rovers. The game was played in great spirits with both teams showing wonderful sportsmanship and a real hunger for the contest.
River Smith was in for his first game and made sure he asked for his lollies back after his big ruck contest. Milky Smith was strong all day, looking after young Riv and attacking the footy.
Tommy Hemphill was dodging and weaving, shaking his hips like he was on the dance floor. Hunter Lewis was a brick wall across halfback. Fox Lonergan was an elusive forward, kicking his first ever goal!
Special mention to fly-in umpire Stump Lonergan for appearing out of nowhere with the whistle and for picking out the young fella with the helmet. Well done to all on a great game and it is amazing to see the side continuing to grow and improve its skills each week.
Thanks to the three Rovers boys who displayed superb sportsmanship, pulling on the Hoppers jumper to make a great game of it. All aboard the Hopper Train!
Awards: Lake Mulwala Bakery Hunter Lewis Greenscapes River Smith Darren Lewis Fencing Fox Lonergan Oughton Irrigation Tom Hemphill Legudi Family Milky Smith
Netball
A Grade
Rennie 15 lost to Deni Rovers 63
A Grade knew it would be a tall order with people away sick and a few injuries to our senior sides, but we couldn't be more proud of everyone's attitudes and team spirit.
Saturday saw another young 15-year-old step into the side and gain some experience. Mabel Cope was rolled on for short bursts to get a taste of the fast paced Deni Rovers. She stood tall and we couldn't be more proud of her tenacity - watch this space, we are positive you will read that name more often in the years to come.
Thank you to Celine Collins Bye, Georgia Phillips and Ella Harvie who all played a role in A Grade and really gave it their all.
Heleena Shaw stepped out of her comfort zone, not only leading the girls as captain but into a main defenders roll - although nervous she absolutely dominated the first half making Deni have to restructure their attack end.
A tough one at the office, ladies, but we will be back bigger and stronger next week.
Awards: RNC Incentive - Heleena Shaw; Mulwala Bakery - Celine Collins Bye; ClubMulwala - Sophie Coghill; Yarrawonga Hotel - Laynee Rhodes; Jaycee's - Georgia Phillips.
B Grade
Rennie 32 lost to Deni Rovers 47
Facing top of the ladder Rovers this week, B Grade knew they were in for a tough battle. But the side was keen to showcase its skill development after a solid few weeks of working on perfecting its game plan.
A few changes due to illness and injury wasn’t enough to throw the girls off their game and they put up a valiant fight. Unfortunately, Deni were able to maintain their lead despite Rennie’s impressive teamwork bringing the margin within two goals during the game.
A big shoutout to young gun Lucy Bassett who stepped up to B Grade this week - earning herself best on court, with netball wisdom beyond her years. Lucy’s vision combined with her athletic ability and shooting accuracy kept Rennie in the game.
Paula Mifka also stepped in to help out in B grade and provided strength in the goal ring and on the wing. Paula’s voice of reason, ability to direct play and perfect use of the space was instrumental.
The defensive end worked cohesively despite shuffling positions throughout the game. Ella Goldsmith settled in to GK beautifully and provided exemplary defensive pressure. Her holds under the ring created doubt for the opposition and resulted in some precious turnovers.
Celine Collins Bye capitalised on the turnovers, working to convert from defence to offence. The attackers adapted their game quickly and efficiently. They worked together to communicate and create space which was a difficult job with Deni’s excellent pressure.
Ella Harvie worked hard to chase down any lost balls and provided strong leads to create space in the attacking end. Ella’s precision passing also created many scoring opportunities for our goalers. Well done to B grade on a great game of netball and adapting to any challenges thrown at them. Bring on next week.
Awards: RNC Incentive - Lucy Bassett; Mulwala Bakery - Ella Goldsmith; One Zach - Celine Collins Bye; Yarrawonga Hotel - Ella Harvie; Judds Yarrawonga - Paula Mifka.
C Grade
Rennie 20 lost to Deni Rovers 37
It was a tough battle on Saturday when the Hoppers once again faced off against the fiercely competitive Rovers, with both teams bringing their A-game.
From the outset it was clear this game was going to be hard-fought with the Rovers applying significant pressure and a fast pace from the very beginning. Rennie’s strategic use of rolling subs allowed the girls to keep up the pace and intensity and give 100 per cent at all times.
Another strong defensive display by Rach, Gaby, Georgie, and Sarah D this week with well-timed intercepts, rebounds and forced turnovers providing the team with crucial opportunities to shift the momentum. However, it was Deni’s accurate shooting and reactive defence that kept them ahead.
In the centre court the ability of Nada, Meg and Georgia to read the play, create space and communicate with the team saw a number of crucial intercepts and allowed the smooth transition from defence to attack. Their efforts in maintaining control were instrumental in keeping the Hoppers in the game.
It was a tough week down the attacking end with two out of our three shooters carrying an injury - despite this Haylee, Leila, and Sarah C continued to do their best with the opportunities created by their teammates.
The final score definitely didn’t reflect the impressive efforts made by everyone on the court and the 17-goal difference is a marked improvement from our first match against the Rovers. Well done girls, keep up the great work!
Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Sarah Cummins; Yarrawonga Bakery - Georgie Thomas; Yarrawonga Hotel - Nada Nolen ; Terry White Chemmart - Meg Rogers; Free as a Bird - Rach Guppy.
C Reserve
Rennie 18 lost to Deni Rovers 40
Back in our happy place of Hopperville, the C Ressie Legends were ready for business.
Business talks went well in the first quarter with Jae ‘Fruit Picker’ Lonergan, Mel Burke Dogga, and Gail tearing it up in the defensive end.
The Rovers really did say ‘no thank q’ to business negotiations after the first quarter and started to beat to their own drum. Edos Speedos had to start her Bali detox earlier than anticipated, sweating out all the Bintang chasing down the Rovers attack.
The third quarter saw the C Ressie Legends find their groove. Teags, Britta and Illa worked the attacking end like a well-oiled machine, leaving the Rovers in awe of what we could do. Shez ‘Ricky D’s’ McBurnie and Lauz ran the midcourt like absolute troopers in the final term, doing everything in their power to stop the Rovers hot pursuit for victory.
While business talks were not a success and the C Ressie Legends didn’t claim the ‘W’, there is still plenty of positives to take away. We look forward to welcoming Mathoura to Hopperville next week.
Awards: North East Campers - Tegan Lee; Miss Dolly - Jae Lonergan; Yarrawonga Hotel - Mel Burke; Intersport Wingates - Brittany Thomas; Mulwala Pharmacy - Eden Mackinnon.
Under 17s
Rennie 51 defeated Deni Rovers 25
The Hoppers took on the Rovers, which only seemed like we played them a few weeks ago. The Rovers put on great pressure against the Hoppers in the first quarter. Our girls were off to a bit of a slow start with the score nearly being equal, but that made Rennie more determined with a few position changes and a few words of encouragement.
The Hoppers came out and wwre on fire with the defence line being extraordinary - especially Mykie, she was a superstar. Mykie did everything that was asked of her and more and that’s why our top award was awarded to her.
Alani went from defence to attack and back to defence, and oh boy she did well, with it not even worrying her! We are very lucky to have such a versatile team to be able to do this. It allows us to have many changes and many strong combinations on court.
Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Mykie McBurnie; Ricky D's Pizza - Chelsea Kerr; Yarrawonga Bakery - Alani Peterson; Rhodes Family - Heleena Shaw; Mulwala Pharmacy - Lucy Bassett.
Under 15s
Renie 17 lost to Deni Rovers 34
The U15s knew it was going to be a tough game this week up against top of the ladder Rovers. The girls did very well in an incredibly tough contest, finishing the first half only down by five goals.
Deni came out firing in the third quarter and extended their margin heading into final quarter. The girls held their heads high and fought for every turnover, refusing to go down without a fight.
A great display of teamwork by the girls against a strong opposition.
Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Tess Bassett; Rhodes Family - Jemima Bruce; Jaycee's - Michelle Coulter; Housemade Food and Coffee - Samantha Knight.
Under 13s
Rennie 10 lost to Deni Rovers 33
We were taking on Deni again this weekend but this time on our home soil. Our girls started with some nerves but settled, going into the second quarter with some great drives and strong hands for the ball.
Halftime saw us only down by five goals but Deni were able to make a real difference in the last half and extend their lead to take the win.
Our girls worked really hard at training this week and kept their head up in the game, which is a credit to them and their sportsmanship. Good job, girls.
Awards: Paula Mifka Junior Development - Makayla George; Yarrawonga Bakery - Lily Lewis; Rhodes Family - Maisie Cope; Lewis Fencing - Sienna Lamont; Mulwala Bakery - Ruby Phillips.
Under 11s
No score
What a great game by the Under 11s! It was great to see the improvement from the first game against Deni. The girls in defence did a fantastic job, stopping lots of scoring opportunities. Passing down the court was great and there were some great goals scored. Well done on a great team effort by all.
Awards: Mulwala Bakery - Lizzie Thomas; Corowa Curtains and Decor - Mackenzie Wolfe; Yarrawonga Bakery - Blair Williams; Paula Mifka Junior Development - Maddi Marett; Rhodes Family - Alice Withers.
Net Set Go
No score
Awards: North East Campers - Pippa Rhodes; Corowa Curtains and Decor - Lola Legudi; Avalanche Ice creamery - Aria Long.
Social
Remember to get your ball tickets for ClubMulwala on June 15. Go Hoppers.
Yarrawonga Chronicle