Photos by Simon Ginns
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Corowa-Rutherglen scored a heart-stopping 3-point win against the Wodonga Bulldogs at John Foord Oval on Saturday.
In a game that was billed as crucial to either side’s prospects of playing Ovens and Murray finals in 2022, it was the Roos who were able to keep their dream alive.
The game began in near perfect conditions. With JFO looking magnificent, the expectation was for a quality game. Early on the ball moved from half-back to half-back. Both teams had opportunities, but neither were unable to apply any scoreboard pressure.
As the quarter wore on Cameron and Damien Wilson’s prolific ball winning, Jarrod Lane’s penetrating kicking, and Hayden Filliponi’s forward pressure were all important in shifting the momentum in favour of the Roos. Cameron Wilson scoring two goals in quick succession and Hayden Filliponi kicked a late goal. At quarter time it was the Roos 3.0.18 to the Bulldogs 2.2.14.
After the break Wodonga came out strongly with multiple forward 50 entries, but the defensive work of Jack Schilg, Cody Howard and Callum Spencer held the Bulldogs goal-less for the quarter.
The Roos had scoring opportunities but too many kicks landed in the goal-square and were easily defended by the Bulldogs. It wasn’t until the 15-minute mark of the quarter that a goal was kicked – compliments of Jason Marks.
Kaelan Bradtke was a marking target up forward. His late goal added some breathing space to the Roo lead. At the long break it was the Roos 5.3.33 to the Bulldogs 2.5.17.
The rain arrived during the half time break, so the third quarter began in slippery conditions.
Hayden Filliponi’s forward pressure again came into play early when he won a one-on-one contest to score a goal. Cody Howard’s run from defence was adding pressure, and Tom Goodwin’s work in the centre square was providing the mid-field with plenty of supply and Cam Barrett was doing some solid work.
Two successive goals by the Bulldogs plus a very late goal in red-time tightened up the contest going into the three quarter time huddle. The Roos lead was cut to 5 points, 8.3.51 to 6.10.46. The game was set for a gripping final quarter.
The final quarter was a defensive battle, with the Roo backline, led by Jack Schilg, playing their role effectively. Eventually, Kaelan Bradtke broke through with his third goal for the game. Wodonga replied shortly after to give themselves an outside chance of pinching victory.
The Bulldogs were continuing to press. The last 10 minutes were played in the Bulldog forward 50. However, it was the strong defensive pressure of the Roos that was able to force repeat stoppages and prevent their opponents getting any easy ball use from the stoppages. The Roos had triumphed by 3-points in a thriller to keep their season alive.
The jubilation in the Roos rooms was something to behold!
Final Scores: Corowa-Rutherglen 9.7.61 to Wodonga 7.16.58
Award winners: Corowa Gold Club – Jarryd Hatton, Aussie Hotel – Hayden Filliponi, Newmarket Hotel – Damien Wilson, Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – Callum Spencer, Origin Clothing – Cameron Barrett.
Hayden Filliponi and Kaelan Bradtke kicked 3 goals each.
This coming Saturday the Roos play at John Foord Oval against the North Albury Hoppers
Reserves
The Roos seconds had a difficult day against a very strong Wodonga Bulldogs seconds team who ran out comfortable winners. Weight of numbers proved too challenging for the Roos boys.
Award winners: Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory – John Robinson, Aussie Hotel – Dougal Robb, Sodens Hotel – Matt Gould, Club Award – Luke Backhouse and Bailey Minogue, Ricky Ds – Jamie Seymour.
Under 18s
The Roos hosted the Bulldogs in what was a pretty low scoring affair early on in the wet weather. The Roos defence kept the Bulldogs scoreless going into the quarter time break, with the home side 22 points up.
The game was pretty much one way traffic with the boys dominating the game and only conceding one goal to the Bulldogs. Finn Osborne, Riley Allen and Jesse Johnstone all doing a great job in the midfield and Ryan Beveridge down forward, was having a great day out. Angus Smith and Tommy Allison were also finding plenty of the football.
The last quarter was no doubt the Roos best, piling on ten goals to put the game away with a great percentage boosting 125-point win. Ryan Beveridge dominating with a ten-goal haul and a best on ground performance. Coach, George Sandral saying after the game, he was happy with his side’s performance, noting that it was a great all round team effort and he hopes the boys can back it up again this week against North Albury at home.
Final Score Roo’s – 19.17.131 to Bulldogs – 1.0.6
Goals – R. Beveridge 10, F. Osborne 3, P. Lavis 2, M. Halton, E. Hanrahan, M. Bush, J. Johnstone 1
Awards – R. Beveridge – Sportspower, F. Osborne – Doc’s, R. Allen – Urban Graze, Ladies Committee – T. Allison, Corowa Takeaway – A. Smith
Sponsors Day
The Roos held their annual Sponsors Day at JFO with a luncheon to thank our many sponsors for their continuing support of our club. The Club welcomed special guests Justin Clancy (Member for Albury) and OMFNL Chairman David Sinclair who addressed the assembled sponsors and supporters.
2000 Premiership reunion
This Saturday the Roos will be celebrating the 2000 Ovens and Murray premiership. Indications are that there will be a strong contingent of premiership players, including coach Peter Tossol, returning for the weekend’s festivities. A highlight of the reunion will be the release of Ben Black’s documentary ‘Road to Success’ with interviews, match footage and other highlights from this memorable year.
Golden Roo Dinner
The club are holding the Golden Roo Dinner is on Wednesday, 22 June at JFO. Special guest is Robert Walls – Robert played 259 VFL/AFL games with Carlton and Fitzroy, he also coached Fitzroy, Carlton, Brisbane and Richmond in a lengthy coaching career. Details to follow shortly.
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