Panthers deny fighting Roos

Best: Jackson Richardson, Tom Forrest, Cody Schutt, Elijah Amery, Will Axelby, Deaken Clancy

Corowa Rutherglen went down in a topsy-turvy clash against Lavington at Lavington Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon, falling by 17 points after a spirited fightback.

The Roos were left to rue a sluggish opening term, with the Panthers pouncing on a slow-starting Corowa defence.

Lavington dominated early, booting three goals to one behind to establish a lead that would prove costly.

After quarter-time, coach Daryn Cresswell demanded his leader's lift, and Jordan Eyers answered the call.

His late season switch down forward paid dividends, slotting the Roos’ opening goal just two minutes into the second term.

The Panthers threatened to take control, but a strong defensive effort led by Jackson Richardson and Tom Forrest who were incredible all day for the Roos, restricted Lavington’s key forwards to just three goals between them.

At the other end, Kaelan Bradtke and Deagan Purcell began to click.

The Roos’ dangerous forward combination, which has passed 50 goals between them this season, combined for two late majors to keep Corowa within striking distance.

Will Axleby was once again in the thick of the action cumulating plenty of touches of the half back.

Deakan Clancy back in the seniors showed plenty of fight in the Ruck providing plenty of first touch for the midfielders.

Cresswell’s message at half-time was simple, keep fighting, with the Roos still well within reach.

Ejiah Amery continued to impress in another competitive display, attacking the ball with plenty of ferocity, while Cody Schutt again put the team first with a consistent four-quarter effort.

Captain Will Chandler struck early after the break before youngster Will Forrest followed, suddenly bringing the Roos right back into the contest.

But Lavington responded with three quick goals to swing momentum back their way and stretch the margin to five goals.

Bradtke and Purcell combined once again to reduce the deficit heading into the final change, giving the Roos renewed belief.

That belief grew early in the final term when Tommy McCaffery pounced on back-to-back goals to bring the margin back to just five points, with a remarkable comeback suddenly on the cards.

However, the Panthers steadied when it mattered most to hold on for a 17-point victory.

The Roos will rue their slow start, but their ability to repeatedly fight their way back into the contest will provide plenty of positives from an otherwise costly afternoon.

Development Squad

Corowa Rutherglen 1.2 8 def by Lavington 31.13 199

Goal: Ryan Parsons

Best: Tommy Allison, Angus Massey, Rory O'Brien, Taj Smith, William Bott, Ethan Lane

Lavington was far too strong in the end, with the Roos comprehensively beaten across most areas of the ground.

The boys tried incredibly hard all day but were unable to get the reward they deserved.

The Roos will now have to regroup and go again, with a winnable clash against North Albury next week.

Under 18s

Corowa Rutherglen 3.4 22 def by Lavington 13.13 91

Goals: Max Delamere, Tommy Kafarela, Ryan Parsons 1

Best: Ryan Parsons, William Linden, Noah Paul, Max Marek, Max Delamere, Beau Benton

Corowa Rutherglen took on Lavington in a game the group had built up as a winnable clash, but the Panthers started strongly and caught the Roos napping early.

Ryan Parsons gave the Roos a much-needed lift with their opening goal, backing up with a strong outing before doubling up by playing in the development squad later in the day.

Bill Linden and Noah Paul were again among Corowa’s better performers, both showing plenty of promise and working hard throughout the contest.

Tommy Kafarela slotted Corowa’s second late in the second term to reduce the margin, but Lavington continued to control proceedings.

Max Delamere slotted through his first early in the last.

In the end, the Panthers were simply too strong, running out winners despite a determined effort from the Roos.