Roo-demption… 17-year drought is over

Goals: Corowa Rutherglen: Kaelen Bradtke 8, Darcy Melksham 3, Mitchell Scott 2, Angus Curry 1, Jordan Foote 1, Jedd Longmire 1, Brady Morton 1, Jack Rowston 1.

Albury: Jake Pitt 3, Ryan Garthwaite 2, Mat Walker 2, William Blomeley 1, Tom O’Brien 1.

Best: Corowa Rutherglen: Kaelan Bradtke, Nathan Richards, Jedd Longmire, Angus Curry, Jack Rowston, Raymond Murphy.

Albury: Isaac Muller, Max Byrne, Jay Hillary, Mat Walker, Ryan Garthwaite, Jake Gaynor.

Corowa Rutherglen shattered a 17-year drought in stunning fashion, claiming one of its most memorable victories since 2008.

In a dramatic second-half surge, the Roos overturned the odds to defeat the former powerhouse Albury Tigers — a result few saw coming.

Back at John Foord Oval for round 13, the Roos returned with fire. External scrutiny had been reinforcing just how long it had been since Corowa last beat Albury, the pressure was on to start well — or risk the game slipping away.

The opening term saw milestone man Darcy Melksham set the tone with a goal under two minutes.

Albury responded quickly, slotting two. But Corowa weren’t backing down — Mitch Scott and Kaelan Bradtke answered, and it was game on.

Albury managed to wrestle back control and pulled away late in the first half, exposing areas Corowa needed to tighten.

The Tigers took a 21-point lead into the main break.

Then, the second-half turnaround noone predicted.

The Roos came out with fire: goal, goal, goal, goal. Suddenly, they were back in front. Doug Strang Medal leader Bradtke took the game on his shoulders.

The former Richmond supplemental selection period pickup showed why he’s the premier full forward in the Ovens & Murray, bagging five goals by the halfway point of the third term.

Corowa came at Albury with everything — and the Tigers had no answers.

The third quarter blitz was extraordinary: a 10-goal-to-3-point effort that will go down in club folklore.

Coach Daryn Cresswell’s men elevated their game to a new level.

The maturity and cohesion in the side finally began to shine.

The midfield brigade should not go unnoticed with Ray Murphy, Jedd Longmire, Angus Curry, Jordan Foote and ruckman Nathan Richards providing the spark the Roos needed with relentless tackling pressure and teamwork that led Corowa to a new level.

At three-quarter time, Corowa wasn’t done.

Memories of a slip-up just nine weeks earlier were buried quickly.

Jordan Foote iced the game with a goal moments into the final term, pushing the margin to 44 points and sealing the result.

The Roos finished with a 50-point hiding over the stunned Tigers. Bradtke finished with a stunning eight-goal performance in one of the season’s most dominant displays.

A win 17 years in the making — last achieved in round 11, 2008 — finally brought pure jubilation to the Roos faithful, as the tide finally turned in Corowa’s favour.

The Roos now head into a well-earned bye this weekend before facing Myrtleford on July 26.

They'll be hoping this inspiring win fuels another strong performance against the Saints.

Heartbreak for Roos reserves as Tigers pip last minute win

Corowa Rutherglen 8.6.54 def by Albury 9.6.60.

Corowa Rutherglen’s development squad fell agonisingly short in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday against the Albury Tigers.

The Tigers came out firing, kicking three quick goals in the opening term and putting the Roos on the back foot early.

However, a spirited response came through Deaken Clancy’s first goal, sparking life into the Roos.

The timely inclusions of Jaiden Butison and Joey Ugle added much-needed class and leadership, proving pivotal in the side’s resurgence during the second quarter.

Corowa took control with one of their most complete quarters of the season, as Tommy Young, Judd Kuschert, Hugh Canning, and Clancy all hit the scoreboard, swinging momentum firmly in their favour.

Coaches Ben Talarico and Sam Haigh were visibly thrilled with the turnaround.

But Albury struck back after halftime, regaining control in the third term and applying significant pressure.

It took a full team effort to prevent the game from slipping away entirely.

Jackson Richardson stood tall in defence, Ben Black played his most consistent game with a solid performance in the ruck, while Fletcher Parker once again showed his composure and skill to keep Corowa in the contest.

With the game in the balance, Judd Kuschert’s goal midway through the final quarter levelled the scores.

But just as a draw seemed possible, a last-minute clearance and goal from the Tigers crushed Corowa’s hopes, sealing a devastating finish for the Roos.

Goals: Deaken Clancy 3, Judd Kuschert 2, Hugh Canning 1, Luke Heagney 1, Tom Young 1.

Best: Jackson Richardson, Hugh Canning, Fletcher Parker, Ben Black, Deklan Yates, Mak Lavis.

Thirds just fall short

Corowa Rutherglen 7.8.50 def by Albury 10.2.62.

The Corowa Rutherglen Under 18s showed plenty of heart on Saturday in a spirited contest against the Albury Tigers, going down by 12 points despite having more scoring shots in a game full of grit and determination.

The final score read 7.8 (50) to 10.2 (62) in favour of Albury, but the Roos can hold their heads high after a performance that saw them control large parts of the game without fully capitalising on the scoreboard.

In a welcome boost for the side, Tex Longmire made his return to the Under 18s and didn’t miss a beat.

From the first bounce to the final siren, Longmire was a standout, showcasing his class and composure under pressure.

His return added a spark across the ground and lifted those around him.

Down back, Ethan Lane was terrific, holding firm in defence and repelling repeated Albury attacks with courage and smart decision-making. His efforts helped keep the Tigers within reach all afternoon.

Around the ground, Brodie Eyers and Benji Hanrahan led by example, both playing with strong effort and intensity.

Their work rate ensured the Roos stayed competitive, even when the momentum shifted.

Up forward, Hunter Hall and Isaac Dickinson were promising targets, working hard to create scoring opportunities and provide structure in attack.

Despite the team’s struggles in front of goal, their presence kept the Albury defence under pressure.

While the Roos had 15 scoring shots to Albury’s 12, their inaccuracy proved costly in the end.

Still, their ability to generate chances and apply pressure all day was a clear positive for the side moving forward.

The Roos will take plenty from the contest, knowing they were right in it until the end. With continued improvement and a bit more polish in front of goal, they’ll be a real threat in the weeks to come.

Goals: Will Forrest 2, Hunter Hall 2, Tex Longmire 2, Blake Bilney Dinan 1.

Best: Tex Longmire, Ethan Lane, Hunter Hall, Isaac Dickinson, Jayden Forge, Angus Massey.