Young Cats strong effort against Bushrangers

A young Rutherglen team made the trip to Beechworth last Saturday to take on the second-placed side in the competition.

As is the case with most teams across the course of a season the Rutherglen coaching staff was required to make some changes due to injury and unavailability.

The side welcomed two new faces for their first senior game of the 2024, Bailey Nichol and Ethan Marquison-McKenzie. As well as this, Ryan Milthorpe and Mitch Huggins returned to the senior team.

From the first bounce of the opening quarter, it was evident that the Cats were ready to play. Tyler Ferraro, who started the game at centre half forward provided a strong target for his midfields to kick to and took numerous contested marks.

As well as this, the midfield group of Dylan Van-Berlo, James Tanner, Matt Tanner, Sam Edmondson, Jarryd Hatton, Ben Pleming and Caleb Andison were doing a significant amount of work offensively and defensively at stoppages and around the ground to give the forwards an opportunity to kick a score.

At quarter time, Rutherglen trailed by 6 points. Beechworth 4 goals 1 behind 25 points to Rutherglen 3 goals 1 behind 19 points.

As has been the case for the Rutherglen senior team at times this year, lapses in games has been the difference between winning and losing and that was the case during the second quarter.

The team, who made skill errors by foot and went away from executing game plan fundamentals saw Beechworth kick away to a 7 goal lead at the main break.

At half time, the team had an opportunity to regroup and then reset for the second half.

In the third quarter, the Rutherglen team responded. Charlie Beattie, who has played predominantly as a backman this year was moved to centre half forward and co-coach Dylan Van Berlo was moved from the ruck to centre halfback.

These changes, in line with the team executing team fundamentals in both offence and defence, saw the Cats win the quarter by adding two goals to the scoreboard and keeping Beechworth goal less.

The score at three quarter time, Beechworth 10 goals 5 behinds 65 points to Rutherglen 5 goals 5 behinds 35 points.

The final quarter was consistent with quarter one and quarter three, resulting in the Rutherglen team kicking a further two goals to the opposition kicking a further two goals. On the final siren, the difference was an even 5 goals.

Following the game, co-coaches Jamie Seymour and Duane Moloney reinforced to the group that when the team plays disciplined team orientated football, they can match it with the top sides in the competition. Furthermore, noted how they were proud of the team's response following a disappointing second quarter.

Award Winners: Poachers Paradise Hotel – Tyler Ferraro – Complete Body Craft – Charlie Beattie – Club Corowa – Jyda House – Rutherglen Pizza – Ben Pleming – Boorhaman Hotel – Lachie Webb.

Reserves

Cats 9-4-58 def by Beechworth 13-17-95

The Cats Reserves coaches did another fantastic job getting a team on the ground up at Beechworth on Saturday. With regular coaches Ryan and John away, it was left to Ben Ratcliffe to make the calls and get a side together, this he did. While the team on paper didn’t look that great, all the boys, young and old, played well and it ended up a very competitive game. Ian Maiden returning with 5 goals and a couple of assists was the highlight.

The club appreciates the efforts of all that made it happen.

Award Winners: Poachers Paradise Hotel – Jake Meyer – Schnitz Albury – Sam Stefani – Metro Petroleum – Bailey Scholes – Rutherglen Pizza – Jake Goddard – Club Corowa – Bryce Maloney.

Under 17s

Cats 8-8-44 def by Beechworth 15-9-99

An underdone, injured and sick team put in a great effort to be competitive with Beechworth for most of the game. Young team members Ryan Barkley and Flynn Verhulst stepped up to play well. The backline played well trying to stop forward entries from Beechworth led by Fred, Laiton and Riley and well supported by Archer and Aidan when changing off the ball.

The boys were behind the eight ball from the start, losing Snowy in the first few minutes of the game. Big shout out to Charlie for stepping up to take on ruck duties again this week.

Liam, who played a run with a role in the second half to minimise the impact of number nine for Beechworth. Mitch played a great midfield game despite having back pain. Highlights of the game were some of Ethan Greggor’s runs with the ball, marks and goals.

Goal kickers: Ethan 3, Harry Chandler 2, Flynn 1.

Award Winners: Rutherglen Pizza – Flynn Verhulst, Silver Key Café – Ethan Gregor –Corowa Sportspower – Charlie Poole, Schnitz Albury – Ryan Barkley.

Let’s regroup and see what we can do against Barny for our last home game next week.

Under 14s

Cats 11-19-85 def Beechworth 0

Rutherglen faced Beechworth at their home ground in frosty conditions as they aimed to solidify their position on the ladder with finals approaching.

Rutherglen got off to a strong, but inaccurate start to the game, with Jax Ramsay linking up with the midfield from the ruck. Bryce Maloney was a strong focal point up forward, and Lucas Zani was also lively.

At the end of the first quarter, Rutherglen held a 25 to 0 lead. Beechworth continued to try hard, however, as the ladder positions suggested were outclassed by a stronger Rutherglen outfit.

Some inaccurate goal kicking continued in the second quarter, and the lead had grown to 42 points by half time. Jaylen Cracknell and Hugo Poole worked hard in the midfield, linking up with Dustin Fisher and Liam Colvin.

Callum Potter played a great game scoring 2 goals, and Aiden Sibraa kicked 3. At the final siren, Rutherglen had managed to keep Beechworth scoreless and remain in third position on the ladder.

Please come down and support the Under 14s team next week in their last home game of the season against the Barnawartha Tigers.

Award Winners: Rutherglen Pizza – Bryce Maloney – Silver Key Café – Lucas Zani – Corowa Cougars – Dusty Fisher – Secret Cat – Hugo Poole – McFarlane Family – Jaylen Cracknell – Aaron’s Award – Codie Johnson.

Under 12s

This week we travelled to Beechworth, the game started well with the team kicking the first 2 goals of the game, the second quarter the young Cats came out kicking 3 quick goals through Will Giason, Cody ODonoghue and Cody J Wood.

Overall the game was a very even contest until a team lifting captain's goal from Noah Cracknell halfway through the last quarter ignited the young Cats who in the end ground out a hard fought win.

Award Winners: Slopes $10 – Noah Cracknell – Silver Key Café – James Nicholson –Rutherglen Lolly Shop – Zac McCumber – Danny Johnson Most Courageous – Vinny Johnson – McFarlane Family – Brax Jennings – Coaches Award – Will Giason – McDonald's – Tommy Balintine.

Netball

A Grade

Cats 36 def by Beechworth 50

The girls came out strong in the first quarter only trailing by 1 at quarter time. It was a great fought out game across all four quarters. Good defensive pressure made for a consistent team effort. Well done girls.

Award Winners: Best On Court – Kath Bartlet – Poachers Meal Voucher – Bridget McAnanly – Boorhaman Hotel – Tahni Evans.

B Grade

Cats 29 def by Beechworth 50

Great hard fought game to the end. Winning the last quarter and matching Beechworths attack on the ball.

Award Winners: Best On Court – Charlie Williams – Boorhaman Hotel – Pia Taylor – Coffee – Jess Ryan – Cash – Olivia Plummer.

C Grade

Cats 102 def Beechworth 18

A wonderful team effort by everyone, coming away with a huge win. Well done girls.

Award Winners: Best On Court – Shae Wason – Boorhaman Hotel – Mel O’Donoghue – Valentine’s Bakery – Rachel Crawford – Club Award – Cristy Jacka.

Under 17s

Cats 12 def by Beechworth 50

The girls had a tough game against the Bushies, but each of our girls played their position to their fullest. A great effort by everyone as there were many changes made to match each player's opponent. All our girls were very versatile. Well done “Cats”.

Award Winners: Best On Court – Violet Fisher – Caffeine and Machine – Elle Lawrence – Sportspower Corowa – Ava Kilpatrick.

Under 15s

Cats 43 drew with Beechworth 43

The girls fought hard all day and what a game it turned out to be.

Couldn’t give individual awards out this week as it was such a great team effort.

Under 13s

Cats 14 def by Beechworth 27

The girls have been working hard all season and played one of their best games yet on Saturday. All the hard work is paying off champions, stick at it! Thanks to Faith and Elle for your great tips. Go “Cats”.

Award Winners: The Wax Trade – Ivy – McDonald's – Zara – Club Award – Harper.

Under 12s

Cats 7 def by Beechworth 11

Amazing game on Saturday, very close to getting a win with each of the girls playing well. Saturday showed how well the young girls are working together.

Award Winners: McDonald’s Corowa Award –Stella – Club Award – Emme.