Cats 1.6 12 def by Hawks 15.21 111
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Goal: Jett Peters
Best: Jac Holmes, Jayke Nicholson, Mitch Cofield, Brendan Morris, Matt Halton
The Rutherglen Cats travelled to Coulston Park on Saturday to take on ladder leaders Kiewa-Sandy Creek in another tough challenge against one of the competition's benchmark sides.
The Hawks showed why they are among the premiership favourites, controlling large periods of the contest with strong ball movement.
Despite the final result, the Cats never stopped competing and continued to work hard across all four quarters.
Rutherglen's effort and pressure remained strong all afternoon, with the playing group refusing to lower its colours against quality opposition.
In defense, Mitch Cofield and Jayke Nicholson were outstanding, continually repelling attacks and competing strongly all day.
Jac Holmes battled tirelessly in the ruck, giving the Cats a contest from the opening bounce to the final siren, while up forward Matt Halton's relentless pressure was a highlight, creating opportunities and never allowing the Hawks' defenders any easy possessions.
Although Kiewa-Sandy Creek was able to capitalise on its chances, Rutherglen's resilience and willingness to fight until the final siren was a positive takeaway.
With only three games remaining in the home-and-away season, the equation is simple for the Cats they must win all three to keep their finals hopes alive.
The group will take valuable lessons from this contest and be determined to respond as they prepare for next week's challenge.
A big thank you goes to supporters who made the trip to Coulston Park.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated by the club.
Awards: Jac Holmes – Rutherglen Pizza Award; Mitch Cofield – Venetta & Gav Pinn Award; Matt Halton – EDC Electrical Award; Angus Williams – Howlong Shearing Award.
Reserves
Cats 0.1 1 def by Hawks 18.17 125
Best: Charlie James, Harry Chandler, Archer Colvin, Luke Kuschert, Baylee Morton
It was a tough day at the office for the Cats, going down to a strong Kiewa-Sandy Creek outfit.
Despite the scoreboard, the Cats never stopped competing.
With seven Thirds players stepping up to help the side, the boys showed resilience, determination and a willingness to keep working for each other all the way to the final siren.
Their effort and attitude in difficult circumstances was a credit to the group.
There were plenty of positives to take away, with several players continuing to battle hard throughout the four quarters.
Charles James led from the front with a courageous performance, consistently putting his body on the line and competing hard in every contest to earn the Rutherglen Pizza Award.
Harry Chandler worked tirelessly around the ground, showing plenty of determination and earning the Parker Pies Award.
Archer Colvin impressed with his attack on the ball and willingness to compete, collecting the second Parker Pies Award.
While the result wasn’t what the team was after, the boys’ commitment never wavered.
Games like these provide valuable lessons, and with the continued support of teammates stepping up and everyone sticking together, the Cats will be looking forward to responding strongly next match.
Under 17s
Rutherglen Cats secure convincing victory over Kiewa
Cats 10.4 64 def Hawks 3.1 19
Goals: Liam Colvin 4, Logan Poole, Hugo Poole, Tyler Yeoman, Harry Chandler, Flynn Verhulst, Eli Halton 1
Best: Liam Colvin, Logan Poole, Bryce Maloney, Elijah McFarlane, Harry Chandler, Phoenix Wight
The Under 17 Rutherglen Cats took on the Kiewa Sandy Creek Hawks at Coulston Park in a highly anticipated matchup, looking to secure a win against a lower-ranked opponent.
The conditions were cold, but the weather was ideal for football, setting the stage for an exciting game.
Rutherglen started off strongly, dominating the play in the first quarter and managing to keep Kiewa scoreless.
Liam Colvin kicked the first goal of the match, marking his best game of the season.
Captains Flynn Verhulst and Logan Poole also contributed with goals, giving the Cats a solid lead of 19 points at quarter time.
Rutherglen continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, with strong performances from Jax Ramsey in the ruck, alongside Harry Chandler, Logan Poole and Hugo Poole in the midfield.
The Cats scored three more goals, extending their lead to 31 points by the main break.
The third quarter saw Kiewa ramp up their efforts, applying more pressure on the Rutherglen defence.
The backline held firm, with Arthur Morris and Elijah McFarlane delivering strong performances, supported by Ryan Barkley, Tyler Yeoman, Jack Chandler, Jaylen Cracknell and Ryan Moore, who effectively repelled Kiewa's attacks.
In the final quarter, Liam Colvin added two more goals to his tally, finishing with a total of four goals for the day.
The forward line remained lively, with Phoenix Wight, Brayden McInnes and Logan Morley providing plenty of options, the final score reflecting Rutherglen's dominance.
Next week, the Cats will take on Tallangatta at home, facing a tough matchup against the third-placed team.
Awards: Liam Colvin - Parker Pies Award; Logan Poole - Rutherglen Pizza Award; Bryce Maloney - Dinky Di Electrical Award.
Under 14s
Cats 7.8 50 def Hawks 2.0 12
Goals: Patrick Colman 5, Rio Glenn, Toby Douglas 1
Best: Rio Glenn, Patrick Colman, James Nicholson, Cody O’Donoghue, Zac Macumber, Tyler Collis
This week Rutherglen travelled to Kiewa to take on the Hawks.
The first quarter saw the young Cats control the game with much of the play but were wasteful in front of goal and not making the most of their opportunities.
The Hawks took the game to the Cats in the second quarter with a highly contested period that saw the Cats take a 10-point lead into half-time.
With the game in the balance halfway through the third, a terrific desperation effort from Rio Glenn in the forward line that resulted in a goal to Toby Douglas saw the game turn the Cats way.
They came out firing in the last quarter, with the whole team lifting and running out the game strongly.
Pat Colman was dangerous up forward, finishing the game with five of the team’s seven goals.
The young Cats ran out 38-point winners in a hard-fought match.
Awards: Patrick Colman - Slopes’ Award; Rio Glenn - Wood Family Award; James Nicholson - Rutherglen Pizza Award; Cody O’Donoghue - D N Electrical Award; Zac Macumber - Glenn Family Award; Tyler Collis – J & M Steel Erection Award.
Under 12s
Cats 0.1 1 def by Hawks 2.6 18
The team rocked up to another cold and foggy start this week at Kiewa, with the match being a tight contest to half-time.
With only one point between them, the Hawks came out after the main break and were first to the ball, scoring two goals in thirty seconds.
The young Cats put up a good effort, but Kiewa were far too good on the day.
Awards: Harry McFarlane - Nick & Lucy Brown Award; Rory Campbell – Corowa Chocolate Factory; Jed Williams – North East Marine; Kyden Skate – Lawler Transport Award; Theo - Coaches Award.
Rutherglen Netball
A Grade
Cats 12 def by Hawks 89
The girls gave a consistent effort against one of the competition’s strongest sides, never dropping their heads despite the challenge.
Facing such experienced and talented opponents provided plenty of valuable lessons to build on as the season continues.
Awards: Tahni Evans - RFNC $ Award; Pia Taylor – Movere Pilates Award; Ally Halton– Coaches Award.
B Grade
Cats 17 def by Hawks 80
Goals: Kara Lowen 9, Abbie Hetherington 8
The team’s focus for the day was ‘respect’, and everyone embodied this principle, playing a clean, consistent game against a top side.
Kath, at GK, had a steady hand on the game causing many deflections and turnovers.
Kara, at GS, improved on her season average accuracy in the goal ring.
Awards: Kathleen Bartlett - RFNC $ Award; Kara Lowen – Adroit Insurance Award.
C Grade
Cats 28 def by Hawks 70
Goals: Melissa Pinn 16, Chelsie McLeod 5, Millie Morris 5, Kara Renshaw 2
The girls came up against the top side this week.
Tahlia was outstanding in defence with many turnovers.
Liv had a terrific game, working tirelessly through GD and C.
A special thanks goes to under 17’s Milly and Cadie for stepping up and making valuable contributions.
Awards: Tahlia Morley - RFNC $ Award; Olivia Plummer – The Wax Trade Award.
Under 17s
Cats 19 def by Hawks 46
Goals: Millie Morris 11, Holly O’Donoghue 8
It was a tough game against last year’s premiers.
The Cats came off at each break, reassessed the situation, and built as the game went on.
They had plenty of opportunities thanks to Cadie in GK, who pulled in an incredible number of defensive rebounds; they just needed to capitalize at the offensive end.
Tayla played in a couple of positions and played her role just as we asked her.
Awards: Cadie Waite – RFNC $ Award; Tayla Meyer – Hadar Homes Hotshot Award.
Under 15s
Cats 19 def by Hawks 26
Goals: Audrey Maloney 11, Shylah Pinn 8
The team was excited to have another crack at Kiewa and gave their all from the first whistle.
While it wasn't their day, the girls never stopped competing and continued working hard throughout the match.
Despite everyone's efforts, they couldn't quite put together a consistent four-quarter performance.
Special mentions go to Olivia and Indi, who stepped up from the Under 13s to support the team; they both embraced the opportunity and made valuable contributions.
The Cats’ defence worked tirelessly all game, while the midcourt rotated well and worked hard at both ends of the court to create different attacking options.
Most importantly, the team showed great resilience, continuing to fight until the final quarter and never giving up, with plenty of positives to take from the game.
Awards: Chelsea Sutton – Parker Pies Award; Flick Watson – Hadar Homes Hotshot Award; Dusty Seymour Daisy Cow Award.
Under 13s
Cats 13 def by Hawks 29
Goals: Olivia L 6, Poppy W 5, Freya K 2
It was a tough day on court for the Cats on the weekend, but there were plenty of positives to take away.
Poppy Williams stepped into the shooting circle for three quarters and absolutely nailed it, showing great confidence and composure.
The girls continued to encourage and support one another throughout the game, never giving up despite the challenges.
Their teamwork, determination and positive attitude were fantastic to see, and there are lots of things we can build on as they head into next week.
Awards: Poppy Williams– Tom and Tam Renshaw Award; Alyssa Lowen-Webb – Parker Pies Award.
Under 13 Reserves
A well-played game by the Cats’ small team.
Kiewa brought their size, but Rutherglen moved well, continuously coming in front as asked and played a tight defence.
Under 11s
The girls played a consistent match against strong opposition.
They played hard defence and had lots of opportunities in the goals with numerous players having a turn at shooting goals. Excellent team game by the girls.
Awards: Ivy Kay - Corowa Golf Club Award; Zoe Mase - Hadar Homes Hotshot Award; Charlotte Colwell - Field Family Award.