Corowa Rutherglen 12.7 79 def Yarrawonga 9.12 66
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Goals: Bradtke 4, Purcell 3, Mcarthay, Tex Longmire 2, Chandler 1
Best: Degan Purcell, Thomas Longmire, Tom Forrest, Cody Schutt, Patrick Lavis, Elijah Amery
“Remember the name, Corowa fans!”
Those were the words of Radio 2AY commentator Blake Escott as Corowa-Rutherglen snapped an 18-year long drought against traditional rival Yarrawonga with a stirring victory at JC Lowe Oval on Saturday.
The Roos entered the clash believing they could challenge the fourth-placed Pigeons, boosted by the inclusion of former Melbourne premiership defender Steven May and the return of several key locals, including Jedd and Tex Longmire, Will Chandler, Jy Lane, Joe Hansen and Angus Curry.
Corowa made the perfect start when captain Will Chandler kicked the opening goal within three minutes.
Yarrawonga quickly responded, however, booting four unanswered majors to seize early control and put the Roos under pressure.
Defenders Tom Longmire and Tom Forrest were immense throughout the opening half, continually repelling Yarrawonga attacks and limiting the Pigeons' forward entries.
The Roos soon found their rhythm, turning defence into attack with a brilliant coast-to-coast passage of play that ended in a classy Liam McCarthy snap.
Corowa's ball movement began to shine, with Cody Schutt and Paddy Lavis using the ball superbly to find teammates and open the game up.
Coach Daryn Cresswell praised his side's intent after the match.
"We came here with a purpose and we were able to get the win," Cresswell said.
Kaelan Bradtke added an important major to extend Corowa's advantage before McCarthy kicked his second goal of the afternoon, capping off an outstanding second quarter in which he collected eight disposals.
After half-time, Bradtke continued his influence with his third goal following a pinpoint pass from Elijah Amery, who worked tirelessly through the midfield and continually found the football.
Steven May then showcased his class, delivering a trademark long pass to Tex Longmire, who converted and stretched the Roos' lead to 18 points, much to the delight of the travelling supporters.
Despite Corowa's defensive resilience, Yarrawonga remained within striking distance, but ruing opportunities kicking four consecutive behinds late in the third quarter.
The Roos held firm, setting the stage for a dramatic final term.
Enter Degan Purcell.
In the space of six electrifying minutes, Purcell lit up JC Lowe Oval and broke the hearts of the Yarrawonga defenders.
The son of former Jerilderie and Lavington great Aaron Purcell showed exactly why he earned Ovens and Murray Under-18 interleague selection last season, producing a match-winning burst that brought the crowd to its feet.
Purcell soared high above packs with a series of spectacular marks before calmly converting three crucial goals, turning the contest on its head and inspiring Radio 2AY commentator Blake Escott's memorable call: "Remember the name, Corowa fans!.
Cresswell couldn't have been prouder of his side's effort.
"The most important thing is everyone played their role," he said.
The famous victory was built on key moments, relentless pressure and sheer determination.
Breaking an 18-year hoodoo against one of the club's biggest rivals marks another significant milestone for a group that continues to grow in belief and confidence.
Corowa will now turn its attention to a crucial clash against Lavington at John Foord Oval next week, a match that could prove pivotal in keeping its finals hopes alive.
Development
Roos show grit in a gutsy defeat
Corowa 9.9 63 63 def by Yarrawonga 12.7 79
Goals: Smith 3, N. Amery, Forge, Haigh, Kushchert, OBrien, Savage 1
Best: N Amery, Kushcert, St John, Eder
Corowa Rutherglen’s Development Squad produced one of its most spirited performances of the season but ultimately fell short against Yarrawonga on Saturday.
Bolstered by several returning players, and with several talented inclusions from the senior ranks, the Roos fielded arguably their strongest reserves side of the year.
The visitors made a bright start, with Taj Smith getting Corowa on the board early in the opening term.
Yarrawonga responded shortly after, but the inclusion of Noah Amery proved valuable as he answered with a handy major to keep the Roos in the contest.
Corowa set the tone from the outset, attacking the contest with intensity and establishing the standards early in the match.
Hudson Kushcurt and Charlie St John provided plenty of run and carry through the midfield and across the ground, showing composure with ball in hand.
Josh Eder also impressed, using the football well, hitting targets consistently and proving a valuable contributor throughout the afternoon.
Despite the Roos' strong effort and competitiveness, Yarrawonga gradually worked its way on top and proved too strong in the end.
However, Corowa can take plenty of positives from the performance as the side continues to build depth and develop its younger players.
Under 18s
Young Roos take it up to Yarrawonga
Corowa Rutherglen 6.6 42 def by Yarrawonga 19.12 126
Goals: Cruz Young, Leroy Chester, Max Delamere, Taj Schapel, Noah McSweeney, Aaron McWilliams 1
Best: Cruz Young, Jarvis Maloney, Austin Ross-Anderson, Lukas Moorey, Zach Arnold, Noah McSweeney
The Corowa Rutherglen Under-18s showed plenty of fight despite going down to a strong Yarrawonga side on Saturday.
The Roos came out with tremendous intensity, applying fierce pressure and keeping the ball in their forward half for much of the opening ten minutes.
Cruz Young was outstanding early, helping set the standard, but several missed opportunities meant Corowa couldn't fully capitalise on its dominance.
The second quarter was a high-quality arm wrestle, with the Roos matching it with one of the competition's stronger sides.
A missed chance late in the term proved costly, before Yarrawonga added three late goals to stretch the margin heading into half-time.
While Yarrawonga controlled periods of the second half, Corowa continued to battle hard and never stopped competing.
The Roos produced several promising passages of play throughout the day, but some easy goals against allowed the visitors to pull away on the scoreboard.
The final margin didn't reflect the effort of the young Roos, who showed plenty of determination against a bigger and more experienced opposition.
It was another positive step forward as the side continues to improve and develop each week.