Rutherglen Cats’ dazzling night

Dec 1, 2021

The Rutherglen Football Netball Club held their 2021 awards evening last Saturday night at the Corowa RSL Club.

The capacity filled room recognised the many stand-out performances amongst the senior football and netball teams with all team coaches thrilled with the amount of effort and positive attitudes players and parents alike showed in challenging circumstances throughout the 2021 season.

A major highlight of the night was Wayne Cooper receiving a Life Membership for his tireless work with the club over 35 years.

Outgoing club president Greg Lumby thanked the attendees for a terrific season despite the major interruptions from COVID-19.

“Even after a tough few years due to covid, we had plenty of talent to put a competitive senior side together,” he said.

“All our junior football grades had good numbers with the 14’s and 17’s both securing high positions on the final ladder, and other than for Covid would have played finals.

“Our juniors polled well in TDFL league votes with Rory Beattie and Sam Edmonson taking out the runner up B + F in their respective age groups.

“This year saw many of our younger girls stepping up to fill senior and leadership roles within the Netball club. This they did and represented our club brilliantly under Senior coach Brianna. The club is extremely proud and grateful of all the guys and girls that stepped up and filled teams each week.

“Unfortunately with covid restrictions, we were not able to have our regular Bowls night, Mystery Bus trip, Cancer Awareness Day, Black Tie Ball , Donatelife Day nor Resi Day this year. But the lack of social functions didn’t stop our group of senior football and netballers being close and enjoying each other’s company, more than they have for a few years

“The club acknowledged the sad loss of Nev Bainbridge who was one of the passionate instigators of the Anzac Day concept.

“Early in the year we witnessed the new light towers and lights. What an absolute game changer they are, opening up so many opportunities in the future. Huge thankyou to Rog Fiedler and Pat Beattie for the work you both put into that project.”

Greg also passed on his thanks to those who helped keep the club operational.

“Thank you to all coaches, team managers, time keepers, umpires, waterboys and girls. All those volunteers that make the season tick,” he said.

“Firstly, to El Seymour for being our secretary again this year. Another great job.

“To Roger Fiedler, thank you for again keeping the finances in place, under what is an ever-increasing work load. Now you can enjoy a holiday when you and Di get away rather than me annoying you all the time.

“Pat Beattie thank you for all your hard work and assistance to me this year.

“Thank you to all the committee members that have put their hand up and assisted in some way throughout the year.”

“Liesha for time and effort being our trainer for both footy and netball.”

FOOTBALL AWARDS

Seniors

Best and Fairest Jimmy Hanrahan

Best and Fairest Runner Up James Tanner

Most Consistent Adam Enever

Most Courageous Rhys Renshaw

Most Improved Jayden McCluskey

Most Valuable Player Jimmy Hanrahan

Best Team Player Adam Enever