Rutherglen Cats challenge reigning premiers

The first quarter was a game played between the two fifty metre marks, with both teams' defence intercepting the ball when the opposing team was entering forward 50.

Tory Oats, who has played as a wingman this year, returned to the half back flank where he has the played majority of his senior football and made an immediate impression, utilising his speed to defend well and intercept the ball.

Centre half back Mitch Cofield was positioning himself behind the ball to also repel several attacks. At quarter time, Rutherglen trailed by 7 points.

The second quarter was like the first quarter with both teams intercepting the ball in defence. This was supported by pressure being applied to the ball carrier, with both teams wasting numerous entries going inside 50.

Rutherglens determination for the half was typified by co-coach Dylan Van Berlo running back with the flight of the ball to take a strong contested mark centre wing on the clubroom side of the ground. At the main break, the Rutherglen team trailed by 6 points.

The third quarter was Rutherglens best quarter of the day. Rutherglen kicked four goals two behinds for the quarter to be level with the opposition at three quarter time. Jarryd Hatton with the highlight of the quarter, receiving a handball from Jyda House Club Room side forward pocket to kick a forty metre drop punt from the boundary line which brought the crowd to its feet to tie scores just before the three quarter time break.

The final quarter belonged to Chiltern, controlling territory for the back half of the fourth quarter, kicking away to win the game by 3 goals.

Co-coaches Jamie Seymour and Duane Moloney spoke post-game about the group’s effort and desire across the course of the day, encouraging the team to stick together and stay positive as they build towards the back end of the season.

Cats 7-4-46 def by Chiltern 9-10-64 Award Winners: Poachers - Paradise Hotel – Tory Oats- Complete Body Craft – Jarryd Hatton- Club Corowa – James Tanner– Rutherglen Pizza – Matt Tanner Boorhaman Hotel – Mitch Cofield.

Reserves

Tough day with Chiltern showing us why they are on top of the ladder. Congratulations to Jakeb Meyer on playing 250 club games.

Cats 1 def by Chiltern 18-19-127.

Award Winners: Poachers Paradise Hotel – Jakeb Meyer- Schnitz Albury – Bailey Scholes - Metro Petroleum – Bailey Nichol - Rutherglen Pizza – Jarryd Bowering - Club Corowa – Ryan Milthorpe.

Under 17s

Saturday’s game saw the boys go up against second placed Chiltern in sunny but cool conditions.

Chiltern came out strong taking a commanding lead from the outset, kicking five goals two to zero in the first quarter, with the second quarter taking a similar path. But to the boy’s credit and after some encouraging words and moving Fred Jackson to the midfield, the boys found their rhythm kicking four goals two to Chiltern’s two goals one.

This enabled the boys to bolster support for Archer Colvin and the rest of the midfielders. Unfortunately, Chiltern were too strong and ran away with the game by 64 points.

Ethan Greggor contributed with 2 goals, Harry Chandler 1, Flynn Verhulst 1, Archer Colvin 1 and Baylee Morton 1. Rutherglen 6-4-40 Def by Chiltern 16-8-104.

Award Winners: Rutherglen Pizza – Sonny Enever-Cooper- Silver Key Café – Fred Jackson Corowa Sportspower – Baylee Morton- Schnitz Albury – Riley Cosgrove- Coaches Award – Liam Bulmer.

Under 14s

This week the Rutherglen Cats played the Chiltern Swans at Barkly Park. It was a true team performance ably coached by Ben and Tommy. Rutherglen started off the first quarter strongly and managed to hold Chiltern scoreless. Arthur Morris played an excellent match and was involved in many passages of play. Jax Ramsay was again strong from the centre and showed some good form in the forward line.

By half time the Cats held a 60-point lead. Seth Goodman displayed some great ruck skills taking over the main role in the second half. Lucas Zani provided a contest around the ground and even popped up for a goal.

In a high scoring affair a trio of players each kicked three goals – Captain Dustin Fisher, Ben Pagan Saunders and Aiden Sibraa. Kaden “Dancing Feet” Saunders played his best match of the season scoring two goals and Zavier Manns bobbed up with his first goal.

At the final siren Rutherglen had amassed a 129-point win, with contributors all around the ground. It was great to see some strong team spirit, with several of our players filling in for Chiltern to even up the numbers.

Next week the Cats hit the road for the long trip to Mitta. This promises to be an exciting contest with Rutherglen and Mitta sitting third and fourth respectively on the ladder.

Cats 19-17-131 def Chiltern 0-2-2

Award Winners: Rutherglen Pizza – Arthur Morris Silver Key Café – Jax Ramsay Corowa Cougars – Ben Pagan-Saunders Secret Cat – Kaden Saunders - Boschetti Electrical – Lucas Zani - Aarons Award – Dusty Fisher.

Under 12s

We hosted Chiltern this week and the team jumped out of the blocks with Cody J-Wood kicking 3 goals in the first quarter and finishing with 6 for the game, the guys played a team orientated brand of football with some terrific passages of play in what was a great team win.

Award Winners: Slopes $10 – Noah Cracknell Silver Key Café – Harry McFarlane- Rutherglen Lolly Shop – Sevi Cottam -Danny Johnson Most Courageous – Cody J-Wood - Boschetti Electrical – Pat- Coaches – Luke Chandler.

Netball

A Grade

This week our A-Grade girls came up against a strong tall side in Chiltern, they were still able to make some good passing plays in patches, though unfortunately Bridget went down with an injury in attack which didn’t help. Keep up the effort girls and the consistency of play will follow.

Cats 23 def by Chiltern 71. Award Winners: Best on Court – Tiarnie Lumby - Poachers Paradise Hotel – Kathleen Bartlett - Grace Bar and Eatery – Ally Halton.

B Grade

Another tough game awaited our B-Grade girls this week against Chiltern, they had a good second quarter which helped to raise their spirits carrying it into the final quarter, but it wasn’t their day as Chiltern were too strong. The girls kept their heads up regardless and tried all match.

Cats 19 def by Chiltern 68. Award Winners: Best on Court – Emma Prescott - Poachers Paradise Hotel – Charlotte Meyer - Grace Bar and Eatery - Olivia Plummer.

C Grade

Our C-Grade ladies had a very competitive game against an equally tough Chiltern side, with everyone playing their role well making the difference enabling them to come away with another good win. Solid effort and well done.

Cats 47 def Chiltern 31. Award Winners: Boorhaman Hotel – Rachel Crawford Valentines Bakery – Shae Wason Club Award – Georgia Reid - Club Award – Kara Renshaw

Under 17s

The Under 17 girls came out playing a strong brand of netball this week, working well as a team, with scores level at half time.

The second half saw a few basic errors under pressure, but overall, the girls were able to walk off court with their heads up for a good performance.

Cats 22 def by Chiltern 58. Award Winners: Best on Court – Elle Lawrence - Corowa Sportspower – Lucy James.

Under 15s

Chiltern proved to be a much tougher opponent this week, showing how well drilled they were with their set plays – our girls gave a valiant effort and played well for the entire game but couldn’t match it with Chiltern.

Cats 18 def by Chiltern 52. Award Winners: Best on Court - Matilda Colwell - Slope Award - Faith O’Donoghue - The River Fish and Chip Company - Molly Colman - Club Award - Holly O’Donoghue.

Under 13s

Players always enjoy the challenge of lining up against our neighboring town Chiltern and playing against a lot of their friends. Players are continuing to work well on timing and strong leads forward, creating space and some systems on the court.

There were times this came together brilliantly. Umpires acknowledged the great spirit in which the game was played and positive attitudes of our players, so keep up the great work champs.

Rutherglen 2 lost to Chiltern 39. Award Winners: Nick Meyer Builders - Chelsea Sutton RFNC Award - Savannah Barnes - McDonalds Award - Harper Potter.

Under 12s

Another good performance from our little Cats, showing tremendous improvement each week and enjoying the game. Awards: Club Award - Violet Pfeiffer - McDonalds Award - Poppy Ellery.